07-11-2011, 10:50 PM
Here is the answer received from Rabbi Moshe Weiner, author of "Sheva Mitzvot HaShem" and "The Divine Code":
These types of activities mentioned (acquiring such material by illegal purchases or transfers) are forbidden. But since there is no specific material whose property ownership is claimed by a second party, and it is common knowledge that many software programs and computer disks are used without permission, there is no need for you to get rid of the software files. After it was obtained illegally, it is considered to be like a lost item that any person can take possession of.
These types of activities mentioned (acquiring such material by illegal purchases or transfers) are forbidden. But since there is no specific material whose property ownership is claimed by a second party, and it is common knowledge that many software programs and computer disks are used without permission, there is no need for you to get rid of the software files. After it was obtained illegally, it is considered to be like a lost item that any person can take possession of.