Quote:
Originally Posted by
mxeryus
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Yes, so who are the suppliers then? Do they use physically stolen software?

Nope, not usually. Some software demos can be converted into full versions by means of a valid license key. Some copy protection schemes are simply reverse engineered without the need for a valid license key or serial number. (Notably the case if the crack consists of a keygen.) And then there's suppliers that properly purchase the product, sometimes fraudulently (say, with a stolen credit card) but often entirely legit. And then pass it on to one of the warez groups to have it cracked.
-- dj!