Governance Policy: Computer Software Piracy

It is the policy of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) to utilize all commercially purchased software in accordance with its individual licensing agreement.  Unless otherwise provided in the license, any duplication of copyrighted software, except for backup and archival purposes, is a violation contrary to the organization’s standard of conduct.  The purpose of this policy is to comply with Title 17 of the U.S. Code in the protection of “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression.  These categories should be viewed quite broadly and include literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, audiovisual, and computer programs as well as other intellectual works. 
 

Adopted: September 28, 1998

Reaffirmed: October 2000.

REAFFIRMED: June 1, 2003

Reaffirmed: December 19, 2006

Reaffirmed: July 12, 2008