In response to the exit of software vendors, Russia could introduce a software licensing policy that helps piracy.
The measure, which is part of many others, will introduce a “unilateral” software mechanism that extends expired licenses without seeking the consent of copyright or patent owner.
The Russian government is trying to readjust the dictates of Article 1360 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation to suit its agenda.
Article 1360 of the Civil Code allows the government to “use an invention, utility model or industrial design without the consent of the patent holder without permission as long as the patent holder is notified and a reasonable fee is paid.”
In this case, however, the expired licenses would be renewed without the consent of the copyright holder who comes from a country that supported the sanctions against Russia. It will also be available for products that have no available Russian alternatives.
Software products that rely on cloud services or online verification are not affected by unilateral signing.