We see copying taking place in every sector, in every type of business. All it takes is loading a program into a computer without possessing a license to do so. In many office environments, circulating software is often done cavalierly. Simply put, pirating is using software without a license. Each purchase of a software product is also the purchase of a license to use it.
Some licenses permit multiple users to operate the software at the same time.
Others allow copies to be run on a desktop and laptop. Still others permit only a single use on one computer at one time. Typically, violations occur when a software program that permits a single use is installed on a server that allows multiple users to access the software concurrently. Each user who accesses the software is treated as having installed a copy of that software on his or her computer. In the Mann Bracken case, once the firm became aware of the piracy problem, it installed software to ensure that the number of running applications does not exceed the number of licenses.