Re: Looking for License/Copyright Infringement Penalties

Doug,

One 'compelling reason' is the penalty for copyright infringement which is, I believe something like up to $100,000 per incident.

BTW - there are some among the legal profession that would argue that Copyright and Shrink Wrap Contract Law are not enforcable as protection for computer software. I suspect it would take deep pockets in order to test this assertion in court though.

One of SPA's tactics has been to offer to settle out of court for 1/10 to 3/10 of the actual amount due for Copyright infringement. Considering the cost and hassle of the investigation, most companies readily settle. Unfortunately this prevents the "judgement by a group of your peers" that the courts are susposed to provide.

I'm not sure SPA has actually gone to court and won...perhaps someone could enlighten us on this point?

Internet:  mshines[_at_]ia.purdue.edu      |  Michael S. Hines
Bitnet:    michaelh[_at_]purccvm           |  Sr. Information Systems Auditor
Purdue WIZARD Mail: MSHINES           |  Purdue University
GTE Net: (317) 494-5845               |  1065 Freehafer Hall
CompuServe: 73240,1631                |  West Lafayette, IN 47907-1065