Can you honestly say that you have never used pirated software? Not even a “borrowed” copy that you forgot to delete? Or the kids’ copy of a game they got from their friend?
I thought as much. Me too, although once Apple moved to a Unix-based operating system and the IBM Power series of chips I took the opportunity to clear out and become street legal. As I found out, there are always Unix shareware alternatives to just about every proprietary package.
I hear you knocking and you can come in
If you are using dodgy software there’s a man who is itching to get his hands on you, moreover, the Trading Standards will have to right to call and inspect all your software licences. They don’t even have to tell you when they are coming and at the end of the year Gordon Brown is going to give them five million quid to pay for their petrol.
I realised pirating software was a big no-no when I started to receive copyright payments for all my work. Now everything I do as a designer is eligible for an annual share of copyright fees, and will be for 70 years after my death. So my kids had better treat me okay when I’m 64 or I might forget to tell them how to make a claim.
Hard luck Sir Cliff, Sir Paul and Mr Ringo (MBE)
The Copyright law in the UK, and the world come to that, is a bit of a mess. If you think you’ve been hearing a lot of old rock ‘n’ roll tracks behind adverts lately it’s probably because they have dropped out of copyright, early Elvis will be next.
In the EC, sound recordings are only protected for 50 years so Cliff Richards and the Beatles will soon be losing payments for their seminal recodings. The first Beatles album will be free in six years, by 2013. Unless it is owned by Michael Jackson who went on a spending spree some years ago.
In Paul McCartney’s case, while the recording might drop out of protection, the song itself remains his for 70 years after he walks up the long and winding road.
Computing and the Internet
According to the UK Patent office:
“Copyright applies to computing and the internet in the same way as material in other media. For example, any photographs you place on the internet will be protected in the same way as other artistic works; any original written work will be protected as a literary work, and so on.
If you download, distribute or put material on the internet that belongs to others you should ensure that you have the owners permission, unless any of the exceptions apply.
Databases may receive copyright protection for the selection and arrangement of the contents. In addition, or instead, database right may exist in a database. This is an automatic right and protects databases against the unauthorised removal and re-use of the contents of the database.
Computer programs and games for games consoles are protected on the same basis as literary works.
Conversion of a program into or between computer languages and codes corresponds to adapting a work. Storing any work in a computer amounts to copying the work. In addition, running a computer program or displaying work on a video display unit (VDU) will usually involve copying and thus require the consent of the copyright owner.”
You have been warned!