Question: The Ask Noah forum says: "These types of activities mentioned (acquiring such material by illegal purchases or transfers) are forbidden. But since there is no specific material whose property ownership is claimed by a second party, and it is common knowledge that many software programs and computer disks are used without permission, there is no need for you to get rid of the software files. After it was obtained illegally, it is considered to be like a lost item that any person can take possession of."
The Divine Code Second Edition says on page 651: "A valid copyright is a true right, and it is forbidden to steal it."
The Third Edition says on page 594: "Copying computer programs or digital recordings that are protected by copyright is forbidden as theft, if the copyright owner has not given his permission."
"It appears that just as it is forbidden to copy them, it is also forbidden to have benefit from the copies, just as any benefit from theft is forbidden" (footnote 317 on page 594).
After it was obtained illegally, is it considered to be like a lost item that any person can take possession of? Or is it also forbidden to have benefit from the copies?
Answer: After software was obtained illegally, it (the electronic file) is considered to be like a lost item that any person can take possession of. It is also forbidden to have benefit from the illegally obtained file, and any copies made from it.
In other words, a person should not derive any benefit from an illegally copied software file. But he does not have to delete the file. It can remain on his computer or external memory drive (i.e., he is permitted to posses it), but he shouldn't use it.
Topic: Rabbi Dr. Schulman answers a question about the Noahide prohibition of theft (Read 934 times)