What does counterfeiting refer to in the context of software?

Counterfeiting in the context of software specifically refers to the process of creating and distributing copies of software without authorization, particularly when these copies are sold illegally. This involves taking an original software product, replicating it, and then marketing it as if it were legitimate, often undermining the rights of the original creators and violating copyright laws.

This illegal activity can harm not only the software developers who lose revenue but can also impact users due to potential security risks, lack of support, and poor software performance associated with counterfeit products. Counterfeit software is often viewed as a form of intellectual property theft.

In contrast, original software sold legally represents legitimate licenses that comply with copyright laws. Software without copyright refers to software that is not protected by copyright laws, allowing it to be shared freely, and custom development of software refers to the creation of software tailored for specific user needs, which also involves legitimate practices in software creation and distribution.