Illegal softeware costs russian teacher half month salary
A teacher in Russia must pay off half a month salary, because he illegally installed microsoft software on a number of computers in the school where he teaches. Alexander Ponosov would have violated Microsoft’s copyright, by installing Microsoft Windows and Office programs on twelve school computers.
Ponosov claims that he never knew he had bought illegal versions of the software at a local trader. The teacher has been condemned to pay 5,000 roubles (approximately 200 US dollar) to Microsoft. Ponosov himslef, who still believes that he is innocent, is going in appeal against this pronouncement.
The case draws growing attention now that the Kremlin has expressed itself on the matter. The Russian president Putin called the charge “ridiculous” and “out of proportion”. On Russian state television - in hands of the government - Ponosov is put down as a hero who dares against the powerful multinational from the United States.
Because Russia wants to join the world trade organization, does try to end the widespread trade in illegal software, films and music, and acts against contravener.
However, it’s still possible to buy illegal of versions of Microsoft software on numerous markets in Moscow for prices around $5
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