Software Piracy: Exploring Awareness of the Law as a Determinant of Softlifting Attitude and Intention

Software piracy, the unauthorized copying of computer software, poses a significant threat to the computer industry. In recent years, progress has been made to reduce software piracy. However, computer software is greatly susceptible to theft and software vendors worldwide lost a staggering $50 billion due to piracy this past year [4]. This paper outlines research in progress that will provide insight into software piracy attitude and intention. The purpose of the research is to investigate whether awareness of piracy laws is an antecedent to attitudes and intention to softlift. This study promises to make several important contributions. The work should complement the knowledge base on software piracy prevention and may demonstrate the value of the factor Legal Awareness in theoretical models of the antecedents that influence softlifting attitude and intention. Results may also prove helpful to information systems professionals and educators in implementing measures to discourage software piracy.