The subject of software piracy or computing software theft is a very important issue that has serious implications for individuals and their employers. Computer software is protected by the same rules that govern other intellectual property, such as records, books and films.
Illegal copying is an offence under the Computer Misuse Act.
The following may be helpful in clarifying the position. The is no copyright owner for this type of software and it may be used without restriction. Most public software is released on the understanding that users will not sell it on to other people pretending it is owned by them. The copyright is owned and therefore there are restrictions to use. Usually the software is distributed freely on a 'try it and see' basis.