What action violates intellectual property rights in the context of software?

Sharing information about a pending software release with non-employees constitutes a violation of intellectual property rights, primarily because it involves disseminating proprietary information that is not intended for public knowledge. Companies develop software with strict confidentiality surrounding their products until they are officially launched. This secrecy protects the company’s competitive advantage and safeguards trade secrets and sensitive information, which are often covered under intellectual property laws.

When this information is shared with individuals who are not part of the organization, it can lead to unauthorized access or use of that information, potentially allowing competitors to exploit it or affecting the company's market position. Protecting such information through controlled distribution is key to maintaining the integrity of intellectual property rights that software creators rely on for their business success.

In contrast, keeping software usage contained within the company, obtaining software from licensed vendors, and using software for training sessions typically adhere to legal and ethical standards surrounding software use and licensing agreements, as long as they are conducted within the bounds set by those licenses.