Informant to receive maximum $20,000 reward for largest unlicensed software user case settlement this year
BSA | The Software Alliance (BSA) has settled a case with a West Australian metalwork company for the illegal use of software programs owned by BSA members Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft, in breach of copyright law.
Under the settlement, the company paid $100,000 in damages for the use of unlicensed software. The six-figure settlement in Western Australia follows a record number of settlements for the state in 2015.
In addition to paying damages, the West Australian metal work business has agreed to purchase legitimate software licenses of Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft programs to legalise its ongoing software deployments.
To ensure ongoing software compliance, the business has also agreed to undertake regular software audits and report to BSA.
Roland Chan, Senior Director, Compliance Programs, Asia-Pacific, BSA, said, “While some businesses think they can save money and fly under the radar by using unlicensed software, the reality is they fail to consider the larger financial and reputational risks. This case serves as a reminder to businesses everywhere of the importance of using properly licensed software.
“We urge all businesses, whether large or small, to conduct regular audits of software licenses and deployments, and implement an effective Software Asset Management (SAM) practice.
“Furthermore we urge those who are aware of businesses using unlicensed software to ‘Report Piracy’.
“A sound Software Asset Management (SAM) program with regular IT audits will ensure that businesses can avoid the damaging consequences of using unlicensed software and get the best returns from their investments in IT,” said Chan.
The informant who reported this matter is also the first to receive the maximum reward of $20,000 from BSA.
BSA is offering up to $20,000 to eligible recipients who disclose accurate information regarding unlawful copying or use of BSA members’ software. Potential recipients must provide assistance and evidence to support the information, as may be required by BSA’s legal advisers, in connection with any claim or legal proceedings initiated by the BSA members. For the full terms and conditions, please click here.
BSA remains committed to its role in raising awareness of the risks to businesses when using unlicensed software and the damaging effects that software piracy has on Australian businesses and the Australian IT industry.
