What type of software cannot be legally duplicated for distribution to others?

Copyrighted software cannot be legally duplicated for distribution to others because it is protected by intellectual property laws. The creators of this software retain exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and modify their work. This protection is designed to encourage innovation and creativity, allowing software developers to monetize their creations without the risk of unauthorized duplication or distribution.

In contrast, shareware allows users to try the software before purchasing it, usually with some restrictions on use. Public-domain software has no ownership claims, which means it can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone. Software piracy specifically refers to the illegal act of duplicating copyrighted software without authorization, but it is itself a violation of copyright laws. Thus, while copyrighted software is the correct answer to the question, understanding these distinctions aids in grasping the broader context of software licensing and rights.