According to US law...

[filburt1]

Would it be a felony or a misdemeanor to use vB without a license?

Just asking because then I can tell pirates that they're felons if they use vB

[Chris Gwynne]

lol Well, although it's stressed not to use vB without a license, and that you could be fined.. What are the real implications of using it without a license, in any country..

*holds onto his license btw*

[msimplay]

hmm interesting question

[filburt1]

Maybe it's considered theft which if the value is high enough can be considered a felony.

[Link14716]

I am pretty sure that software piracy is a felony, not completely sure though.

[Erwin]

Yes, it's a felony under US Law, since President Bush (senior) signed on a Bill passed by Congress in 1992. Before this it was a misdemeanour. Now it's a felony.

TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 113 > Sec. 2319.

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/2319.html

There is no need to show profit or financial gain (the La Macchia loophole) after the law was amended after the United States v. LaMacchia case (871 F.Supp. 535 (D.Mass. 1994)).

[Boofo]

Wouldn't that be dependent on which state laws are for the state you are in in the US? I'm not sure the federal laws would apply over the state laws.

[Link14716]

Federal laws are more powerful than state laws.

[Erwin]

Just wanted to add that I'm no expert in US law. I live in Australia after all.

[Boofo]

Yesterday at 10:58 PM Link14716 said this in Post #8
Federal laws are more powerful than state laws.

Yes, but state laws will usually supersede where the crime cannot be classified as a Federal Offense, which in this case, I think that would apply. (Dang, I almost sounded like I knew what I was talking about on that one. Scary! )