Whos responsible for an illegal windows copy?

[lynx6200]

Its difficult to find a valid answer out there, so I thought this would be a good way to get some feedback.

Say your working the help desk or something, and asked to install xp on the the customers computer, but they hand you an illegal copy. Are you held responsible because you installed it, or is the customer, cause its their copy and their computer?

Technically, I would think, whoever pushes the f8 key to accept the license agreement would be. But what do you all think, whats the correct answer?

 

[nffc10]

I don't actually know the full legitimate answer, but i would agree with what you are saying. Whoever accepts the licence is too blame because they have accepted using a fake copy of Windows.

 

[StrangleHold]

I build computer as self employed and if I build one and they bring me a bootleg copy to install I wont, I will load my own copy of windows and make sure it runs and then delete it and give it to them with a 0erd drive!

 

[terii]

I agree with StrangleHold on this topic. The best policy is "Don't get involved with illegal software". You are not responsible for it and if the client wants to load his/her own illegal stuff that is their problem.

 

[nffc10]

I agree with StrangleHold on this topic. The best policy is "Don't get involved with illegal software". You are not responsible for it and if the client wants to load his/her own illegal stuff that is their problem.

I see where your coming from but it wouldnt be the consumer that has to push they key to accept the licence. The licence agreer (whom ever that maybe) should take full responsibility fo there actions.

It probrably would be wiser, like terii said, to just not install it. Keep out of it and let it carry on being the customers problem.

 

[Jonyboy]

The customer brought the computer, brought (or aquired) the OS and brought your service. I would blame the customer and the license would be under there name (because they allowed it to be).

 

[apj101]

this is a grey area, technically if you were aware of the fact that it was illegal and installed it you would be breaking copyright laws as well.
Its the act or breaking the copyright, not the ownership of the breaking device.

 

[Jonyboy]

The customer brought the computer, brought (or aquired) the OS and brought your service. I would blame the customer and the license would be under there name (because they allowed it to be).

Just add to that what APJ just said.

 

[nffc10]

I agree with both of you (apj and jonyboy) in a way, but i still think whoever actually pushes the button to accept the copyright should take the blame.

It is like going into a shop and getting someone to nick a pair of trousers, but you walk out of the shop with them for the other person. You walked out with them, it is your responsibility.

 

[kof2000]

the company is respponsibe and if they know its you, you'll probably get fired or jailtime

 

[nffc10]

the company is respponsibe and if they know its you, you'll probably get fired or jailtime

The company who install it for the customer?

 

[kof2000]

say if you work for that company then the company will be liable because you're their employee and 99.9% of the time something really bad will happen

 

[lynx6200]

At the same time, the installer might not know its a bootleg copy, and thus install it for the customer. So, the customer should be liable, but is the installer still legally responsible for unkowingly installing non legite software for somebody else?

 

[newguy5]

i say the customer is liable.

if you are just loading it for someone, how do you actually know it's illegal? they just handed it to you--it could have been a copy of their legal version.

 

[nffc10]

i say the customer is liable.

if you are just loading it for someone, how do you actually know it's illegal? they just handed it to you--it could have been a copy of their legal version.

Erm...,,Well you might notice by looking at the disc.

If it wasn't a real Windows Xp CD then surely it would be on a CD-R/CD-RW.

 

[Trizoy]

Erm...,,Well you might notice by looking at the disc.

If it wasn't a real Windows Xp CD then surely it would be on a CD-R/CD-RW.

And the key would not start with FCKGW

 

[Jonyboy]

I would say it is the customer because you could say it isn't illegal to install a illegal windows copy, but it is illegal to use it.

 

[Doom_Machine]

why would the customer tell you its an illegal copy? you probably wouldnt pay much attention if it is or isnt.

as far as EULA's go, ms had to reword its to a much simpler understanding since the one in XP was too "lawery" (yes its my word from my dictionary) and most of them are kinda like that..too much bloat

whats stoppping you from telling the judge you cant read or you could not comprehend it and it made it too easy for you to press F8 and go on without vocally telling you what can happen if this is an illegal copy...yadda yadda

i know some companies have gotten in trouble with illegal software before but
i dont think i've ever heard of an individual home user going to court over violating a EULA, seems silly kinda

 

[gamerman4]

well if you have full knowledge that what you are installing is illegal, it is your responsibility to refuse, failure to refuse would put the blame on you. The original pirate (the consumer who gave u the CD in this situation) would most likely be punished also.