UK software license appeals, computer and business software, UK licensing appeals, Business Software Alliance,BSA

UK Software License Appeals

"More than two thirds of people would report their company if they thought it was using illegal software, an independent UK survey published today by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), a software watchdog, says..." - BSA - 10 October 2001

The BSA and software companies are seeking to add millions of pounds to their revenues this year by cracking down on illegal software use. Many UK businesses will either struggle to pay retail prices for software or suffer a heavy fine. Our License Appeals department could save you thousands.

Our confidential license help and appeals service is available at no cost. Our staff can negotiate the licensing minefield, settle disputes and appeal against licensing decisions. Most importantly we keep you out of trouble not out of pocket.

Legally, technically and practically we are on hand to deal with your questions and inquiries.

Call us in complete confidence on 020 7387 8472 for further information.

Your Liabilities

The survey of 364 UK computer users, also found that 73 per cent would insist on stricter enforcement of their company’s software management policy and 63 per cent would consider their jobs at risk, if they thought their company was using illegal software."

Licensing checks and becoming more and more commonplace and the penalties for breaches are becoming more and more severe. Companies caught out by spot checks or malicious reporting are faced with a fine of at least 100% of the software cost at full retail prices. Almost every company in Britain, knowingly or not is facing potential liabilities running into billions.

The BSA is always requesting audits from UK companies to prove that their software is licensed. Any suspected anomalies can result in a raid. Some recently hit companies have included the following:

Frazier International Limited, an asset management company based in Scotland, paid £40,000 to the BSA. The company was investigated and found to have unlicensed software on its network following a report to the BSA Website, www.bsa.org/uk. In accordance with the BSA’s reward policy, the individual who made the report has received 10% of the settlement - £4,000.

Useful Contacts

Microsoft Piracy Hotline

0800 013 2222

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/piracy/

BSA

http://www.bsa.org/uk/

0800 510 510

What Can I Do?

Your business is under a double threat from software companies and their own resellers themselves who can easily overestimate license costs and use scaremongering as a common tactic. There are hundreds of regulations, license clauses, suppliers and audit requirements.

The most important issues for your company are defensive:

What is the minimum license fee I should pay to ensure I am compliant with BSA regulations?

Why are there different license types, costs and packages from the same manufacturers?

Why do some shops seem very cheap and others expensive?

How do I complete a BSA Audit without falling into any traps?

The best advice is to talk to an expert before you end up deeper in trouble. Our adviceline is free of charge, confidential and we have no links with software manufacturers.