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Used Unlicensed Anti-Virus

A year ago I purchased a license for anti-virus software for my desktop computer. Afterwards, I wanted to have this software for my laptop also. My computer tecnician said he could arrange for a discount for purchasing two licenses. He set it up and took from me for the laptop an amount that was less then a full license. I assumed that he would have to pay the company what was due to them for this second license and that he would make a small commision on the deal. This year when I went to renew my license, the company informed me that I have only one license on record with them. I explained to them what my technician arranged the previous year and they told me that such an arrangement is illegal. A discount is offered only for three or more licenses purchased on a family plan. I should have paid full price for the second license. It appears that the technician set this up without the knowledge and consent of the company and pocketed what I gave him towards the second license. Do I have an obligation to reimburse the company for the second license that I have been using this past year? How shall I deal with this situation? Thank you.

Answer:

You don’t have to reimburse the company for the use of the anti-virus over the year.

Although it appears that the technician somehow circumvented the licence terms of the company, this does not mean that you have “stolen property” in your possessions, and you have also not directly benefited from something “belonging” to the company, so that there is no obligation of payment.

The issue of using “cracked” software is part of the general debate over copyright; although it is not permitted to crack software and make illegal use of it, there will not be an obligation of reimbursement, the more so because to my knowledge, even secular law does not require such a reimbursement to be made.

You should buy the license for the coming year, and avoid the apparently unscrupulous technician.

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