Bootleg

What Does Bootleg Mean?

Bootleg is the unauthorized sale, duplication or distribution of any product. In computing, the term bootleg is synonymous with piracy, or the unauthorized copying or distribution of software for resale or personal duplication. In the music industry, bootleg specifically refers to the unauthorized recording, copying, trading and distribution of live music.

Techopedia Explains Bootleg

Bootleg software includes copied software that is installed on more than one computer – even if prohibited according to the software license. Bootlegging harms the software industry and organizations that knowingly or unknowingly purchase illegal software.

With the expansion of digital and cloud computing, bootleg software is a rampant issue across U.S. and worldwide. Cross-industry, bootlegging is punishable by substantial fines and jail time.

Related Reading

SOPA and the Internet: Copyright Freedom or Uncivil War?

Margaret Rouse

Technology expert

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.

All Articles by Margaret Rouse