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Czech Judge Cuts Deal With Software Pirate: Get 200K YouTube Views Or Pay Huge Fine

Posted by timothy on from the internet-famous dept.

An anonymous reader writes: A judge allowed a software pirate to make a anti-piracy PSA and get away from paying a $373,000 / €351,000 fine he owed Microsoft and other software manufacturers. The only condition was that his video should get over 200,000 views on YouTube. From the BBC's coverage of the trial's unusual outcome: [The defendant, known only as Jakub F] came to the out-of-court settlement with a host of firms whose software he pirated after being convicted by a Czech court. In return, they agreed not to sue him. ... The firms, which included Microsoft, HBO Europe, Sony Music and Twentieth Century Fox, estimated that the financial damage amounted to 5.7m Czech Crowns (£148,000). But the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which represented Microsoft, acknowledged that Jakub could not pay that sum. Instead, the companies said they would be happy to receive only a small payment and his co-operation in the production of the video. In order for the firms' promise not to sue to be valid, they said, the video would have to be viewed at least 200,000 times within two months of its publication this week. ... But, if the video did not reach the target, the spokesman said that — "in theory" — the firms would have grounds to bring a civil case for damages."

5 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. Don't pirate software by NotInHere · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Just don't use proprietary software. Simple as that, no legal risk.

    I don't want Windows or Office or that Adobe thingy, not even if its for free as in money.

    1. Re:Don't pirate software by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Actually I think if he does make an anti-piracy PSA, he should go exactly on that angle.

      "Kids, don't download closed source software on the internet. I know they're charging hundreds of dollars that you can't afford, but they'll rip you a new asshole like they're trying to do to me! Instead, search out and use FREE open sourced software. There are plenty of options for just about every program you could need, completely free, and no risks of a legal shake down by companies such as microsoft who add spyware to their programming anyway!

      Please take a look in the description for links to many free linux installers, helpful how-to videos on how to install them, as well as a large list of free software sites! Don't be a part of the piracy problem, be a part of the solution of freedom from bug-written, backdoored, closed sourced, software!

      Remember to like and subscribe!"

    2. Re:Don't pirate software by TapeCutter · · Score: 4, Insightful

      What part of "his co-operation in the production of the video" makes you think he will get to write the script?

      --
      And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
  2. Streisand Effect by Dracos · · Score: 3, Insightful

    As a legal tactic.... brilliant!

  3. Please don't use the word "piracy" by xororand · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Publishers often refer to copying they don't approve of as "piracy." In this way, they imply that it is ethically equivalent to attacking ships on the high seas, kidnapping and murdering the people on them. Based on such propaganda, they have procured laws in most of the world to forbid copying in most (or sometimes all) circumstances. (They are still pressuring to make these prohibitions more complete.)

    If you don't believe that copying not approved by the publisher is just like kidnapping and murder, you might prefer not to use the word "piracy" to describe it. Neutral terms such as "unauthorized copying" (or "prohibited copying" for the situation where it is illegal) are available for use instead.

    https://www.gnu.org/philosophy...