Unfortunately, software pirates have finally invaded the world of embroidery software. I frequently hear from customers who have been ripped off by these people and have prepared a brief guide to help newbies buy LEGAL embroidery software.

• If local dealers are selling software for hundreds (or thousands) of dollars and someone is selling it "new" on eBay for pennies on the dollar, chances are, it's illegal.
• Many software programs (like Palette/PE-Design, Origins, Generations, and others) need "dongles" or other hardware "security keys" like a reader/writer box to function. Some pirates "crack" the software and sell it claiming no dongle or box or security key is needed. If you visit the manufacturer's website or a local dealer and they tell you yes, a security key IS needed, then you will need to make sure you buy only a legal software package.
• If an auction is offering a "software patch" to install the program, chances are it's illegal.
  
• Some people find they can't use their software, need to "rehome" it, or sell estate items. Compare what is being sold to what is included new and make sure you are buying a legal package.
• Some software is sold as "used" software, but does include any hardware security devices. While this is legal, it might mean that you cannot obtain support or upgrades from the manufacturer. (Some software only licenses the software to the original purchaser.) You can save money this way, but may have to spend a lot more money later getting updates and support.
• Visit the manufacturer's website and see if they list an MSRP for their software. They may have a "map pricing" requirement for their legitimate dealers, which is why you frequently see so many people selling software for the same price. This is a good indicator that it's LEGAL software.
  
• NEVER purchase software with a check, money order, money transfer, or other non-refundable method of payment. Use a credit card you can issue a chargeback on and get your money back if you find it's illegal. Keep all receipts.
• Looking at a seller's feedback isn't a foolproof way to find a scammer. Some change ids as frequently as they change their underwear (or even moreso). If someone has been a member of eBay for many years and has a very strong positive rating, it's possible they are legitimate, but dig deeper into the kind of items they're selling and buying. Ask people with more knowledge and experience than you to take a look at an auction/seller and check them out.
  
• What's wrong with buying illegal software? You stand a good chance of getting a virus or having a computer crash by installing "cracked" software. (What, you think software pirates won't take a chance to infect your computer and steal information from it? How do you think they make their money -- by STEALING!) You can also be sued by software companies for purchasing illegal software. Fair? No. But it can and has happened. Buying illegal software is supporting the pirates who are ripping off honest people. Companies have to spend more money fighting piracy and it increases their costs. They have to institute more convoluted ways of protecting their software, which means more difficulty for customers to install, upgrade, and  use their software. (Let's face it, we've all had computer crashes and had to root for security numbers to reinstall software!)

If you aren't sure whether or not something is legal, DON'T BUY IT! No matter HOW good the deal is. Ask around at reputable embroidery sites and email lists for information. NEVER impulse buy.

The same goes for embroidery designs. Not just Disney, Looney Toons, and other cartoon characters, but frequently smaller digitizers are also pirated. Most of the cartoon sets you see on eBay are pirated designs. Disney designs are only available on Brother memory cards -- NOT CDs.

The bottom line is if you are new to embroidery, before you start buying design collections or software from eBay, do your research. Yes, there are legal design sets on eBay. Yes, there is legal software on eBay. But if you are new to embroidery, ask around and talk to people before wasting your money on illegal software that may cost you hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars in legal fees in the future.