[RachelF]

Also many of the .wav files in Windows 98SE were edited with a pirated version of Sony's Soundforge, the metadata in the media files contained the Soundforge cracker's name.

[_qxjp]

As far as I could research, I only found articles about Windows XP. Close enough. https://www.tomshardware.co.uk/pirated-software-used-to-crea...

[whereistimbo]

These .wav files might be made by person who works under Microsoft contract, not necessarily directly employed by Microsoft.

[wildfire]

Which, of course, makes it perfectly acceptable?

[gattilorenz]

No, but if Microsoft asked for wav files, and a contractor delivered them, is Microsoft at fault if the contractor used a pirated editing software?

[jacobush]

Liable? I hope so. And then they can pass the buck on.

[gattilorenz]

Why would Microsoft be liable?

Do you check if your butcher has illegally bought his knife? Should you be liable, if so?

[jacobush]

Hmm... you may be right. But on the other hand, is the steak licensed and copyrighted?

[darkpuma]

That sort of shit is relevant only to lawyers. A salaried sound designer could have lied to Microsoft just as easily. The nature of the offense isn't actually being changed in any practical sense between the two scenarios.