Individuals and companies caught using pirated software can face . In the United States, copyright infringement is a federal crime, and individuals found liable can be ordered to pay significant statutory damages. Companies may face fines, asset seizures, and even be subject to criminal prosecution for their employees’ actions. For an individual professional, this could mean thousands of dollars in legal fees and fines, not to mention the potential of a criminal record. The legal actions are not just theoretical. Prosecutors are actively pursuing cases against people who sell and distribute cracks. A few recent examples of successful prosecutions include:
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