Calling all ethics gurus -- ethical dilemma

[madesofspades]

My firm has a “snip-it” tool in windows that is lightyears better than the snip-it tool included in Windows. The software was not developed by the firm. It was developed by an accounting firm. Thus, it appears my firm has pirated this software for their own use.
Company’s policy as it pertains to employee behavior:
“Theft or unauthorized possession of The Company’s property or the property of fellow employees; unauthorized possession or removal of any of The Company’s property, including documents, from the premises without prior permission from Management; unauthorized use of The Company’s equipment or property for personal reasons; using The Company’s equipment for profit.”
Would taking this software off network violate the company, or the CFA code of ethics and professional conduct? My answer is yes, but I’ve talked to others who say the answer is no.

 

[losingmyedge]

Not sure I understand your question or what you mean by taking the software “off network”.
Sometimes these “tools” developed by accounting firms are shared with their clients to aid with an audit, and some of these tools make their way from company to company as people move. You can’t be certain that your company has or doesn’t have a right to use this software and it is really pirated unless you go back to the accounting firm and either obtain permission or get their waiver of rights to enforce the license.

 

[S666]

And even then legally you probably can’t just steal/switch off/take off the network (also don’t know what that means) just because the company has in turn, previously “stolen” the software. You have to go through the proper channels.
if someone steals money from you, unfortunately legally you can’t just steal it back…

 

[whacim]

Why not just request authorization to use the software for personal use?