What do computer software, millions of dollars and Johnny Depp add up to? It’s not the latest summer blockbuster: It’s a reason to double-check your company’s software vendor.

Brothers Maurice and Thomas Robberson (we couldn’t make last names like that up) were sentenced in federal courts for selling massive amounts of pirated computer software to businesses and consumers. Thomas was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $151,488 in restitution, while his younger, greedier brother will be locked up for a full three years and forced to pay back $855,917 to the government.

Where did the Robbersons go wrong? From the very beginning: Using Web sites disguised as “discount software businesses,” the brothers created counterfeit items and software. Selling copied CDs or programs would have been bad enough, but the brothers went so far as to mimic the labels and packaging from the original software, complete with trademarks, logos, testimonials, etc.

From 2002 through October 2005, counterfeit software from companies like Adobe Systems, Macromedia and Autodesk were passed onto customers at rock-bottom prices.

The Web sites were shut down when an undercover FBI agent purchased business and utility software from another site which wasn’t run by the brothers (perhaps an estranged uncle?). After some legwork, an entire ring of counterfeiting sites was uncovered.

For businesses and consumers alike, it comes down to the old saying: “You get what you pay for.” Just because a vendor can offer the lowest prices doesn’t mean it’s worth the switch.

Does every software vendor that’s willing to come down in price practice pirating? Of course not. But does a company run the risk of losing stellar support, troubleshooting and ease of use by keeping an eye focused only on price? Yarrr.

Tags: Counterfeit, Pirated software, Security, Vendors