Legal to download programs or not?
 

Hello.

Is there something set in stone that states whether it is legal to download certain programs or not?

Let's say for example, some guy wants Adobe Premiere. He doesn't have enough money. So he thinks about downloading it through LimeWire.

IF he does, will he get fined money? Is he liable for certain charges? What possible things can happen if he downloads it?

Kind regards.
Some random guy who is wondering this question.

When you take measures to obtain a copyrighted work that is not specificaly stated as "freeware" in it's user license, you are in violation of piracy/copyright infringement laws. Piracy being illegal in almost all countries, you are (or would be) in violation of the law. However, a search on LW would reaveal that very few people are discouraged by this... Search the forums for more. Good luck.

deepblue

Thanks, deepblue. This is what I thought, although upon looking at how many people have downloaded all of these programs I got a tad confused.

I told my friend not to download it, but he did anyways. Hopefully he'll learn his lesson the easy way.

I have heard of the Law getting serious about cracking down on those who download alot but I have yet to hear of anyone who actually got caught or in any kind of trouble for doing so.

But because of the war the Feds do not even have the resources to even worry about it. Just empty threats. :p

There's been plenty of RIAA lawsuits. But the chances of being caught are still very slim. I don't plan on paying for music any time soon... Google for more information if you're interested. Good luck.

deepblue