BSA secures $160,000 software piracy settlement

Software industry advocate BSA has wrangled a $160,000 settlement out of a Sydney and Perth based manufacturing company for allegedly using at least 30 different types of unlicensed software.

An informant that brought the infringement to the attention of the advocate has meanwhile been given a $10,000 reward.

The company had initially been suspected of using pirated software from only one BSA member. But the body said discussions with the informant revealed that the company was using 30 or more copies of unlicensed computer assisted design, data analytics and productivity software.

The $160,000 settlement agreement was the highest this year. It follows the negotiation of high venue settlements with a Melbourne architecture firm ($33,936) and a Melbourne interior design firm ($40,000).

All three companies had denied using unlicensed software until confronted with evidence provided by whistleblowers, BSA said. BSA offers rewards of up to $20,000 for informants disclosing accurate information involving unlawful copying or use of its members’ software.

“It’s important that people with information on unlicensed software usage come forward and report it,” said BSA APAC Senior Director Tarun Sawney.

“We’re continuously working with BSA members to ensure that organisations are staying vigilant with their software licences. The information we receive from informants is invaluable and plays a critical role in bringing corporate infringers to task.”

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