WA tops list of unlicensed software settlements in 2015

Global software industry advocate BSA settled 15 cases of software piracy among Australian businesses in 2015, with the highest number of cases being from companies in WA.

BSA said that among the 15 cases, unlicensed software with an estimated value of $311,500 was found. The number of reports of suspected cases of unlicensed software use grew by 25% in 2015.

WA accounted for almost a third of settlements in 2015, with Victoria close behind. Divided by industry, manufacturing accounted for the majority of settlements, followed by construction and property.

Each business caught using unlicensed software was required to purchase genuine licences and pay copyright infringement damages.

BSA Senior Director for Compliance Programs Roland Chan said 2015’s activity demonstrates that unlicensed software use remains prevalent across a range of Australian industries.

“In 2016, BSA will continue to build awareness around the benefits businesses will see off the back of implementing a robust software asset management (SAM) policy and practice,” he said.

“This ultimately helps them to maximise returns from their investments in IT, as well as ensure the avoidance of unnecessary legal and security risks that come with the use of unlicensed software.”

Image courtesy of Michell Zappa under CC