Moreover, copiers are liable for the resulting copyright infringement whether or not they knew their conduct was in breach of the law. It is illegal to load that software onto more than one computer or to make copies of that software for any other purpose unless specific permission has been obtained from the copyright owner or otherwise permitted in the license accompanying the software program. Each product reflects a substantial investment of time and money by many individuals. Software development involves a team effort that blends the creative talents of writers, programmers and graphic artists. Piracy diminishes the value of a program and further, deprives the developers of fair compensation.
Software piracy inhibits innovation.
The software industry is filled with new developers trying to break into a crowded market. They can survive only if their products are purchased. Each theft makes staying in business more difficult. It has always been illegal to rent unauthorized copies of software. The same situation prevails in Canada.