Six Firms Settle Software License Disputes

January 14, 2008 (Computerworld) -- Six companies last week agreed to pay nearly $700,000 collectively to settle claims that they used unlicensed software from several vendors. The Business Software Alliance said that the settlement also requires the companies to delete all of the unlicensed software copies, acquire any needed licenses and implement strong software licensing management practices. The BSA, a trade group representing several IT vendors, said the six firms include mortgage brokers, media companies and retailers in the Midwest and New York. “We wish it weren’t necessary, but enforcing copyrights has proven to be the best way to encourage businesses to take any steps necessary to become compliant,” said Jenny Blank, the BSA’s senior director of legal affairs.

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