Final answer:
Software manufacturers can sue for software piracy, with penalties potentially reaching or exceeding $1,000,000. Past cases, like Marvin Gaye's family's lawsuit, confirm high infringement costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Software manufacturers have legal recourse to file a civil suit against individuals or entities participating in software piracy. According to copyright law, the penalties for infringing on copyrighted work can be substantial. Although the exact amount can vary depending on the case, past legal precedents suggest these penalties can be up to millions of dollars. For instance, the well-known case involving Marvin Gaye's family, who won a lawsuit for over $5 million against Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke, demonstrates that the costs for copyright infringement can indeed be very high. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question could potentially be option d: $1,000,000, although it is important to note that penalties can often exceed this amount based on the severity and scope of the infringement.