Fake Software Resellers: A Growing Risk for Users and a New Front in IP Enforcement

For years, the most common form of software piracy involved downloading cracked or unauthorized versions from websites offering them for free. Although this method remains widespread, a more subtle and sophisticated model of infringement is gaining ground: the sale of pirated software through websites that look official, but are in fact fake resellers.

These platforms mimic the appearance of legitimate marketplaces or authorized vendors, offering licenses at attractive prices, sometimes even with fake “discounts” or limited-time offers to increase credibility and pressure buyers. Many end users, especially individuals and small businesses, are misled into believing they are making a legal purchase.

However, under intellectual property laws, it makes no difference whether the user believed they were acquiring the license in good faith. The use of a pirated or unauthorized license remains an infringement. The end user becomes liable, and may be subject to civil (and in some jurisdictions, even criminal) penalties.

To counter this growing threat, software developers are strengthening their enforcement strategies. One effective measure is the legal action to block access to infringing websites. In Brazil, developers can seek court orders to block such websites nationwide and also pursue liability against those who run them. These actions can be taken not only through civil litigation but also through criminal complaints, especially when there is evidence of fraud or large-scale operations.

The fight against piracy is no longer just about shutting down torrent sites or issuing cease-and-desist letters. It now includes a broader, more strategic effort to protect the integrity of the software market and ensure that users, especially those acting in good faith, can operate in a safe and transparent environment.

Are we doing enough to educate users and prevent these types of fraud from thriving? The answer likely lies in a combination of legal enforcement, public awareness, and closer monitoring of digital marketplaces.

Our firm regularly faces this type of challenge and has achieved positive results on multiple fronts. We are available to discuss the issue in more depth and explore how we can assist.