Hi all,

The company that I'm working now doesn't like to buy original software, and they made us sign a document that the company doesn't condone pirated software use.

Yet, when we request them to buy the original software essential for work, they will always KIV it. Financially, the company have no problem buying all the software needed, but the boss is really a tight ass. The boss knows that the software are essential for production, or else nothing can be produced.

So the question is, will I, the worker, get into trouble due to the pirated software with the copyright authority? Or will the company that will be held responsible for it?

Thanks.

Both

p/s: - ain't a lawyer.

How do they even allow you to install in the first place ? Comapnies would generally use LDAP authentication and would limit your user account. The user account you get has no admin rights - so you may not install any programs that requires admin rights (which is most about any other programs)

Very risky read here http://pengguna.blogspot.com/2009/11/syari...a-guna.html?m=1

That's the even funny part about our company, there's no such thing as LDAP authentication and things like that. Basically, the PCs here in the office are a free for all buffet, the IT tech sort of non-existent one, and the boss don't care as long as you can produce something out.

For my case, I didn't sign that document about 'no piracy in the office'. Only the new comer are forced to sign it. So, since I didn't sign it, will I be safe?

Well there are two condition that might be can be taken into consideration,

1) As There are no black and white, so technically, you are innocense as like, you dont even know the company uses a pirated software.

2) The law enforcer also going to take you down as your status that "Bersubahat".

However, im had heard before about this case at one of Malaysia Universities that had been sued by Microsoft because of the Universities using Pirated Microsoft software, However, the staff there dosent beng affected by this sued, Only the Universities facing a problem.

Well it 50/50

If the trade enforcement authorities have found or received solid proof of such conduct and proceed to bring-in the cops to be involved then your company will no doubt get shut down and more than likely get it's operating license suspended with a heavy fine. The boss or owner(s) will probably be sentenced with jail time depending on the case.

Generally it boils down if the copyright owner of the software whatever or not insist to press additional charges, if they do then you as an employee is gonna have a very tough time going through all those legal matter.

The best you could do would be to inform your boss if it's worth it to continue risking unlicensed copies on their computers when someone or your company's clients caught wind of this and report it to the authorities, your boss is just jeopardizing his/her entire company for some unpaid software.

This post has been edited by Axalter: Mar 14 2013, 06:40 PM

Nope. In fact the software owners tend to emphasize keeping a close lookout and raiding computer/electronic hardware stores all the time if suspected illegal software are used. Offering services (whatever paid or not) such as installing or using illegal software to operate client's or other people computers puts you in an even bigger risk since you might be charged with distribution.

There's a reason why a lot of computer stores and shops these days have strict notification not to provide services utilizing pirated softwares of anykind.

Not usually to my knowledge but don't discount the fact, it would still depend on the severity of the case though and the probabilities of whatever the legal copyright holders wish to do things like press additional charges to the employees handling them as mentioned before. Still shutting down the commercial operation for those associated with usage of illegal software would be the main priority if the authorities do intervene.