Re: Business Software Alliance

On Mon, 3 Jan 2000, Linda Pickering <lpickering[_at_]lowenstein.com> wrote:
>
> A client has received a threatening letter from the Business Software
> Alliance alleging illegal duplication of software. Does anyone have
> any experience in dealing with them? What sort of settlements do they
> require/agree to?

Depends upon how non-compliant the client has been with its obligations -- i.e., if the issue is only a couple of unlicensed copies and there is a general pattern and practice that each station has all of the requisite licenses, then they likely want only the missing license fees. However, if there is widespread illicit copying, they may insist upon substantial penalties in addition to bringing the office into full compliance. An immediate audit by an MIS professional hired by you (to preserve the result as privileged) and immediate remedial action would be highly advisable.

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