Other forms of piracy
Internet piracy
The internet makes it easy for software pirates to offer Corel torrents, Corel keygens, Corel serial numbers, crack keys and other forms of illegitimate software. But it's not worth the risk. Let's take a look at some of the ways cracked software is harmful:
No product or technical support
Help and support is hard – or impossible – to come by if you've downloaded an illegal Corel torrent, or bought counterfeit or cracked software from a pirate dealer. You may well find they've disappeared by the time you notice a problem. And you're left to pick up the pieces.
Cracked software often contains viruses
Pirated software isn't just illegal, it can also be dangerous! Embedded programs can smuggle viruses and malware into your PC during installation. Also, while antivirus programs do offer some security, they don't guarantee protection. Using cracked software puts your whole system at risk.
Danger of identity theft
Thieves can steal your personal data through hidden tracking programs in counterfeit software. This type of pirate doesn't only make money from selling the cracked software – they're also interested in opening a gateway to your online banking and other sensitive data. Don't be tempted by any illegal Corel torrent, serial number or keygen – it's not worth the risk!
Counterfeit software
Counterfeit software is when multiple copies are illegally made and distributed by CD or DVD. Sometimes counterfeiters even use Corel logos and trademarks to make the product look legitimate. Other times it's easy to tell your product is a fake – if the product name is handwritten or the CD or DVD case is blank, you'll know you aren't looking at the real deal. The problem with these situations is that piracy inflates the price of computers and software. Piracy can make PCs and software more expensive – so pirating software or using it knowingly is a self-defeating exercise. Think of it like diving in football – players do it to get an advantage but often end up getting a yellow card instead – and letting their team down.
End-User Piracy
End-user piracy is when someone makes or distributes software copies without paying for or having a valid license for the number of copies in their possession.
For example:
- Companies that buy volume licenses but under-report the additional copies of software they've made
- Companies that give employees network access to software, and don't monitor the number of downloads in order to ensure they're still compliant with their license agreement
- Companies or individuals who share software among friends, allowing them to illegally copy the product without paying for it
Using cracked software can ruin people's professional reputation
Companies and professionals who knowingly use pirated software – or actively make illegal copies – are exposing themselves to much more than fines or criminal penalties. They're likely to suffer permanent damage to their reputation and loss of customers too. It's unfair to customers, business partners and staff – especially if the company is forced to close.
Softlifting
Softlifting is when you purchase single license software and then load it onto multiple machines, contrary to the terms of agreement.
Hard Disk Loading
Hard Disk Loading occurs when unauthorized copies of software are loaded onto computers for sale. While there are Corel authorized manufacturers who have a valid agreement to pre-load software onto computers before selling, there are some distributors and resellers who do so illegally. This is no good for the customer because they have no access to product support or upgrades.
Gray Market Piracy
Gray Market Piracy is when unauthorized resellers sell software at unusually low prices, undercutting the authorized/legitimate resellers. Gray Market Piracy can occur in several different forms:
Selling illegitimate OEM software
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) pre-load software onto the machines they sell. This is legal, unless the manufacturer hasn't entered an agreement with the software maker.
Selling academic software to unauthorized or non-academic organizations
Organizations that qualify for academic software licensing include: accredited schools, faculties, full or part-time matriculated students, academic supervisory organizations, hospitals, libraries and museums, as well as non-profit charitable and religious organizations. If you or your organization don't meet these requirements, you shouldn't buy education editions of Corel software.
Distribution of CD Only products
CD Only is a replacement CD, which customers can purchase if their original software CD gets damaged. To be eligible to order a CD Only replacement, customers must own a valid product license or box product. If you don't meet these requirements, you should not have a CD Only product in your possession.
Selling Not For Resale (NFR) software
This type of product cannot be sold for any reason. It is only distributed under limited conditions – usually for software evaluation purposes – and typically only by the software publisher. If an NFR product is being offered for sale, it is violating the product's license terms and conditions. Distribution by the seller constitutes patent, trademark and copyright infringement. There can be legal repercussions for both the buyer and the seller.
Using language packs
Corel Corporation does not sell individual language packs for CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite and does not support or authorize the use of language packs for our products. Any use of unauthorized additional components or language packs is a violation of the EULA. If you purchased CorelDRAW Graphics Suite in another language by mistake, please contact your reseller for a return/exchange.
By Fong-Chow Chiang,
'Portrait with Rose' by Aleksey Olgushevich,
'Saving Grace' by Android Jones,
'Lake' by Michal Milkowski,