Crack's/Keygens Illegal?

Question

These things violate copyright laws:
1. reproduce (copy) the work;

2. create a new work derived from the original work (for example, by translating the work into a new language, by copying and distorting the image, or by transferring the work into a new medium of expression);

3. sell or give away the work, or a copy of the work, for the first time (but once the author has done so, the right to sell or give away the item is transferred to the new owner. This is known as the "first sale" doctrine: once a copyright owner has sold or given away the work or a copy of it, the recipient or purchaser may do as she pleases with what she posesses.) 17 U.S.C. §109(a);

4. perform or display the work in public without permission from the copyright owner. 17 U.S.C. §106. It is also copyright infringement to violate the "moral rights" of an author as defined by 17 U.S.C. 106A.


Which part of this does keygen's violate?

http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/notice.cgi?NoticeID=1809#QID342

Answer 1

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act Of 1998 also applies to your question.

Answer 2

It is more of a licensing issue. Generally, a user pays for a license to use the software, which includes access the key. Generating the key without paying is a violation of the license and the DMCA (because it circumvents digital protection to copyrighted material) - as the fellow above mentioned.

Answer 3

If the key generator is used to facilitate the use of illegally copied software, then it is facilitation of copyright violation by others -- which is just as illegal as primary copyright violation.

The list you have is not the complete list of all crimes under Title 17 related to copyright violation.

Answer 4

There's maybe a .05% chance you'll get caught.