Source: Jornal do Senado, 01/06/2009

In 2008, 195 Brazilians were convicted of piracy. Every day, news comes out of people punished by courts for copyright infringement or even for housing illegal copies of movies and music on their websites.

Today, anyone involved in the piracy of CD, DVD, computer programs or games - whether "manufacturer", dealer, user or accomplice in corporate piracy - can face six months to four years in jail, depending on the situation, in addition to the payment of fines and indemnities that can reach considerable sums.

In the case of software, the situation is even more delicate. By law, it is up to the entrepreneur to answer for any irregularities that occur in the company, including those practiced by employees. Therefore, if an illegal copy of a computer program is found, not only the user / copier can be punished, but also the owner of the company.

Industries affected by piracy generally use traditional channels for reporting. The Brazilian Association of Software Companies (Abes), for example, passes the complaint on to the program's producers, keeping the whistleblower's name a secret. After an investigation to confirm the veracity of the information, they sue the authorities.

Through the internet, you can check if you bought or won a pirated product. The National Council for Combating Piracy maintains the address www.piratafora.com.br. Another website that can be used is www.apcm.org.br/report.