ChemDraw User's Manual - CambridgeSoft

Q: IS IT OK TO COPY MY COLLEAGUE’SSOFTWARE?NO, it’s not okay to copy your colleague’ssoftware. Software is protected by federal copyright law,which says that you can't make such additional copieswithout the permission of the copyright holder. Byprotecting the investment of computer softwarecompanies in software development, the copyright lawserves the cause of promoting broad public availability ofnew, creative, and innovative products. These companiesdevote large portions of their earnings to the creation ofnew software products and they deserve a fair return ontheir investment. The creative teams who develop thesoftware–programmers, writers, graphic artists andothers–also deserve fair compensation for their efforts.Without the protection given by our copyright laws, theywould be unable to produce the valuable programs thathave become so important to our daily lives: educationalsoftware that teaches us much needed skills; businesssoftware that allows us to save time, effort and money;and entertainment and personal productivity softwarethat enhances leisure time.Q: That makes sense, but what do I get out ofpurchasing my own software?A: When you purchase authorized copies of softwareprograms, you receive user guides and tutorials, quickreference cards, the opportunity to purchaseupgrades, and technical support from the softwarepublishers. For most software programs, you can readabout user benefits in the registration brochure orupgrade flyer in the product box.Q: What exactly does the law say about copyingsoftware?A: The law says that anyone who purchases a copy ofsoftware has the right to load that copy onto a singlecomputer and to make another copy “for archivalpurposes only” or, in limited circumstances, for“purposes only of maintenance or repair.” It is illegalto use that software on more than one computer or tomake or distribute copies of that software for anyother purpose unless specific permission has beenobtained from the copyright owner. If you piratesoftware, you may face not only a civil suit fordamages and other relief, but criminal liability as well,including fines and jail terms of up to one yearQ: So I'm never allowed to copy software for any otherreason?A: That’s correct. Other than copying the software youpurchase onto a single computer and making anothercopy “for archival purposes only” or “purposes only ofmaintenance or repair,” the copyright law prohibitsyou from making additional copies of the software forany other reason unless you obtain the permission ofthe software company.Q: At my company, we pass disks around all the time.We all assume that this must be okay since it wasthe company that purchased the software in thefirst place.A: Many employees don’t realize that corporations arebound by the copyright laws, just like everyone else.Such conduct exposes the company (and possibly thepersons involved) to liability for copyrightinfringement. Consequently, more and morecorporations concerned about their liability havewritten policies against such “softlifting”. Employeesmay face disciplinary action if they make extra copiesof the company’s software for use at home or onadditional computers within the office. A good rule toremember is that there must be one authorized copyof a software product for every computer upon whichit is runQ: Can I take a piece of software owned by mycompany and install it on my personal computer athome if instructed by my supervisor?A: A good rule of thumb to follow is one softwarepackage per computer, unless the terms of the licenseagreement allow for multiple use of the program. Butsome software publishers’ licenses allow for “remote”or “home” use of their software. If you travel ortelecommute, you may be permitted to copy yoursoftware onto a second machine for use when you arenot at your office computer. Check the license carefullyto see if you are allowed to do this.Q: What should I do if become aware of a companythat is not compliant with the copyright law or itssoftware licenses?A: Cases of retail, corporate and Internet piracy or noncompliancewith software licenses can be reported onthe Internet at http://www.siia.net/piracy/report.aspor by calling the Anti-Piracy Hotline:(800) 388-7478.