Copyright infringement is subject to legal action. Softlifting - the unauthorized copying of software within a company or other organization. Usually, when we confront people with the notion that maybe they shouldn't be doing this, they rationalize such copying with one or more of the following arguments. We feel compelled to point out why none of these defenses are likely to hold up if you are caught. I'm allowed to make a backup in case something happens to it, so it must be okay to use it on another computer.
Vendors recommend that the copy be used for installation.
The original should be safely locked away. If you then do anything other than store the copy for safekeeping, it would be reasonable to conclude that you made the copy simply to avoid paying for a second license. Technically, you're right. You would not be guilty of illegally copying software in this case, although your friend would. However, since illegally copied software is viewed as stolen property, you would be considered just as culpable for receiving illegally copied software as you would be for stealing it in the first place.