Businesses seeking to license older versions of Microsoft products may encounter challenges acquiring valid licenses. This is a particular concern for some companies that utilize Microsoft products as the basis for their IT infrastructure and that want to avoid a costly migration to new software versions. Microsoft offers a number of options under its Volume…
Autodesk, Inc. uses a variety of resources to identify potential audit targets. Many of these targets are small architecture or engineering firms that employ independent contractors in lieu of full time employees as CAD operators. A typical Autodesk software audit letter requests information regarding any installations of Autodesk products on company machines. The following are…
Conducting a self-audit while facing potential copyright infringement claims from Autodesk or any other software publisher often is complicated and time-consuming. Nevertheless, it is critical to choose an appropriate method to ensure the audit results are accurate. A self-audit usually may be conducted using various methods, including third-party scanning tools, such as Belarc, or manual…
Software-license compliance can be a difficult task, and understanding the standard Autodesk Software License Agreement may present challenges. Here are four of the most important terms in that agreement to remember for compliance purposes: 1. License Terms Vary Regarding Installations. a. Multi-seat license. Although Autodesk generally restricts software installations to one installation per license, the…
How to Protect Your Company Against Copyright Infringement Claims by Disgruntled Employees Seeking a Reward In an effort to enforce the copyrights of its members, Business|The Software Alliance (“BSA”) offers the potential for monetary rewards to any informant that shares information related to software copyright infringement against a company. Many of our clients are facing…
Software auditing entities, such as the Business Software Alliance and Software & Information Industry Association, typically set forth a complex set of requirements for software audits that can be confusing, time-consuming, and expensive. Many businesses faced with software audits are eager to resolve these matters, and choose to pay to settle out of court. Often…
A settlement agreement to resolve software copyright infringement claims is not the final word in obtaining a release of liability. There are a number of obligations triggered by the settlement agreement that cannot be ignored to avoid jeopardizing the release of liability. Businesses must create internal protocols for risk management, future software audits, license compliance,…
Software audits initiated by software publishers and trade associations such as The Business Software Alliance (“BSA”) and Software & Industry Information Association (“SIIA”) are on the rise. A company should be aware of the implications of the process and strategy decisions related to how the data is collected. Traditional protections of the data under the…
A software audit typically resolves in one of three ways: a dismissal, a settlement, or litigation. The most common path to resolution is a settlement between the parties for potential copyright infringement stemming from allegedly unlicensed software. Software publishers sometimes authorize entities such as the Business Software Alliance (“BSA”) or Software & Information Industry Association…
Microsoft, like other software publishers, routinely audits customers to help ensure that it is protecting the value of its intellectual property. Microsoft verifies its customers’ compliance using several methods. 1. Microsoft License Verification (also, Software Asset Management “SAM” request) In a SAM request, Microsoft assigns a third party to reach out to a customer to…
