Hey Guys,

I have a few concerns and questions that I need answered. I have Googled the laws extensively but would like some human perspective.

I have a friend who downloaded software from Vuze.com. The software is a language software and the torrent he downloaded contained files from a bunch of different languages offered by the company. My friend can burn the files onto a DVD and the DVD can be used on any computer. There is no installation required or anything like that. He has posted the software for sale or trade in various cities on Craigslist.com. Originally he was posting the listings and including the name of the software. Soon after he received a cease and desist letter from company demanding that he remove the listings and stop. After that, my friend decided to post the listings but this time not include the actual name of the company. In the postings he does not write the actual name of the software, but rather posts listings such as "language learning software for sale or trade". Since then he hasn’t received anymore notices from the company. Once my friend receives emails from people who are interested he informs them of the name of the software and arranges to mail them the software. He later received payment via mail or PayPal. Like I said, I looked up all the technical legal punishments such as 0,000 fines, etc. I need your input on a few different questions.

1. Does the fact that the name of the software isn’t publicly advertised matter at all?

2. How exactly are people usually caught? I’ve read that the FBI investigates these matters, but is that typical? Are they doing it on their own or are they asked to by the companies?

3. If caught, what is a realistic punishment? I have seen people sent to prison, but in the story I read the defendant had made millions off of the pirated software and had cars, etc. seized. Could you really go to prison?

4. If you are found guilty in civil court and are demanded to pay an astronomical figure in the hundreds of thousands, what do you do? Would you be forced to claim bankruptcy? Are you allowed to claim bankruptcy since theres no practical means for obtaining that kind of money?

5. Would you have any further warnings or would your house just get raided in an attempt to look for evidence?

6. What kind of lawyer would you need to defend yourself and how much would it cost? What could they do to help you?

Obviously this is a serious matter and your advice is greatly appreciated. I am aware of the laws and have looked up as much as I can but I value your personal input and would like to hear opinions on what would happen realistically.

Thank you for your time.
I only reposted this to get some more insight and hopefully some more detailed answers.

Technorati Tags: astronomical figure, cars, cease and desist letter, civil court, defendant, different languages, fbi, hey guys, human perspective, language learning software, language software, mail, paypal, postings, punishments, torrent

Hey Guys,

I have a few concerns and questions that I need answered. I have Googled the laws extensively but would like some human perspective.

I have a friend who downloaded software from Vuze.com. The software is a language software and the torrent he downloaded contained files from a bunch of different languages offered by the company. My friend can burn the files onto a DVD and the DVD can be used on any computer. There is no installation required or anything like that. He has posted the software for sale or trade in various cities on Craigslist.com. Originally he was posting the listings and including the name of the software. Soon after he received a cease and desist letter from company demanding that he remove the listings and stop. After that, my friend decided to post the listings but this time not include the actual name of the company. In the postings he does not write the actual name of the software, but rather posts listings such as "language learning software for sale or trade". Since then he hasn’t received anymore notices from the company. Once my friend receives emails from people who are interested he informs them of the name of the software and arranges to mail them the software. He later received payment via mail or PayPal. Like I said, I looked up all the technical legal punishments such as 0,000 fines, etc. I need your input on a few different questions.

1. Does the fact that the name of the software isn’t publicly advertised matter at all?

2. How exactly are people usually caught? I’ve read that the FBI investigates these matters, but is that typical? Are they doing it on their own or are they asked to by the companies?

3. If caught, what is a realistic punishment? I have seen people sent to prison, but in the story I read the defendant had made millions off of the pirated software and had cars, etc. seized. Could you really go to prison?

4. If you are found guilty in civil court and are demanded to pay an astronomical figure in the hundreds of thousands, what do you do? Would you be forced to claim bankruptcy? Are you allowed to claim bankruptcy since theres no practical means for obtaining that kind of money?

5. Would you have any further warnings or would your house just get raided in an attempt to look for evidence?

6. What kind of lawyer would you need to defend yourself and how much would it cost? What could they do to help you?

Obviously this is a serious matter and your advice is greatly appreciated. I am aware of the laws and have looked up as much as I can but I value your personal input and would like to hear opinions on what would happen realistically.

Thank you for your time.

Technorati Tags: cars, cease and desist letter, civil court, defendant, different languages, fbi, hey guys, human perspective, language learning software, language software, mail, paypal, postings, punishments, torrent

Obama could swig a Coke and smoke a Marlboro before every press conference. The FBI jackets could sell advertising space to Smith & Wesson. And govt cars could sell space for advertisers just like NASCAR. The federal govt could raise billions of dollars by doing ads!
The national debt is almost trillion, Obama wants us to go another $trillion into debt and the recession is deepening. As Obama said, we must take action now.

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In my state (like most) crime as declined in almost every category and certainly my local area as well.

When I drive the 6 miles to work everyday I see (5) layers of police driving around…just in my area and that includes at least 2 taking radar to make sure no one goes over 25 mph…thank God!
We have State Police, County Sheriffs, Twp Police, City Police and even a local College force lurking around.

We have all read the countless articles how these near bankrupt institutions are and are responding by writing "We the People" a record number of traffic citation (in the name of safety of course <cough>).

My point, instead of running around "busting" the bad guys (those who go 31 mph in a 25 mph zone)
why not do as the private sector does and lay them off Thessaly saving us who pay all the bills and work in the private sector.

I mean some of the county level "workers" make 80k-100k a year, I would imagine the state cruisers make more if not the same not included on the benefits we are paying for, pension, health insurance and the rest.

Just seems like such a waste of our money
SM, good point but unemployment benifits are better than a full salary. Also, they could find jobs in a less-taxing field in the private sector.
Hank, I don’t presume it…it’s a fact, let me know if you require more links
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-05-24/news/os-crime-stats-orlando-20100524_1_violent-crime-preliminary-fbi-fbi-statistics
Warren, in Congress we are only talking 435 member and only a 100 Senators.

No, Police don’t stop crime they react to the crimes. I would assume many would claim they prevent crimes such as speeding by setting up radar traps etc., but that really helps no one (only hurts people) I think we can live with a few radar traps to fix this massive budget shortfalls.

Think outside the predetermined box!
Silver: Yeah and the bombs "could" drop tomorrow, or the sky "could" fall etc, the point is we have wayyyy to many law enforcement…sure we can justify any amount using your logic…if that works why don’t we just triple the forces now…why, because it doesn’t work.

Locally, we are far better off reducing Police levels by 23%-40%…I’m sure none of us would even notice.

Most people don’t have contact with Police, in 46 years I haven’t had one contact with a cop in any way….they are just not needed in these current numbers

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then what’s the problem with starting up a gov’t funded alternative?

1.) People argue of dooms day scenarios regarding waiting lists to get teeth pulled, but never take into account all of the people who wait until the last minute to get medical treatment b/c they have no health insurance. THESE PEOPLE WHO WAIT ARE DRIVING UP THE COSTS of healthcare b/c by seeking no preventative care, they increase the amount of expensive surgeries and extended stays at hospitals. As it stands, Americans are already paying for that now.

2.) The people that state that the US can’t afford gov’t funded healthcare due to sky high taxes overlook the fact that healthcare costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy today among people that HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE.

3.) The people that state that if the gov’t provides healthcare, it will eventually have within it’s ability control to manage every aspect of our lives have obviously never heard of the military, CIA, FBI, NSA, Homeland Security, Federal Reserve, Treasury and Coast Guard, which at any point can control every aspect of our lives today.

What’s wrong with a gov’t funded alternative?

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