Wilcom is now working with the local authorities to investigate these cases, but wants to make embroiderers aware of the problem and help them avoid it.

"Pirated software is usually traded over the Internet either for free or for much less than the cost of genuine software," says Wilcom. "The software is accessed by downloading a "Software Crack", where in order to gain access to software illegally, pirates actually have to crack or break the software. This means that if you obtain a pirated copy of software, it is not complete or is unstable."

Contrary to belief, pirated software does not save the user money, says Wilcom. Instead, many report that after paying for their software, it was never delivered or that the pirated software contained viruses that shut down their business for days. Others say the pirated software was incomplete, worked only partially or stopped working altogether.

There is also the issue of giving your credit card details to a criminal. "There is strong evidence to show that software pirates are often linked to other criminal activities such as pornography, terrorism and drug trafficking, and are not the most trust-worthy individuals," adds Wilcom.

Being in possession of pirated software is also illegal and punishable by law. Once pirated software distributors are uncovered, their customer lists are also obtained, and anyone found in possession of illegal software could receive a criminal conviction with large monetary fines or even imprisonment.

Over the past several months Wilcom International, working with local and international authorities, has conducted various raids on known pirate software distributors and their customers. These raids have uncovered a web of illegal activities including lists of other pirate software distributors plus customers who have purchased or downloaded illegally pirated software.

As a result, a number of arrests and charges have been made and two dozen cases are either going to court or to be settled out of courts in various countries, including the UK.

Genuine Wilcom software will require an authorisation code to activate the software, as well as a USB security device called a ‘dongle', which comes with the software, explains Wilcom. The codes are only issued by Wilcom International and validate a legal dongle.

If you are unsure about whether your Wilcom software is a genuine copy, contact wilcom@wilcom.com.au for clarification.

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