What is the ruling on using and copying copyrighted programs, audio and video files, and games that can be downloaded for free via the internet?

It is not permissible to copy protected programs and files whose owners have stipulated that their copyrights are reserved, except with their permission. This is because these are owned rights for which money and effort have been expended, and copying them invalidates these rights. However, some scholars have permitted copying them for personal use only, when needed, and when the original copy is unavailable or unaffordable, provided that it is not used as a means of earning or trading. Nevertheless, the preponderant opinion is that it is not permissible, even though copying for personal need is less severe than copying for profit.