Last year saw a 25% increase in the number of UK
companies settling with the Business Software Alliance (BSA) for
illegal software use and IT organisations produced the highest
number of offenders.
The BSA also said it opened over 420 investigations during 2005
into UK businesses suspected of using software illegally, an
increase of 24% compared to 2004.
The BSA said it believed the strength of the economy was a key
contributor to the rise in settlements, as business managers often
overlook their software licensing during periods of rapid
growth.
The organisation said 80% of settlement cases in 2005 were a
result of negligence, not deliberate illegal use.
Siobhan Carroll, BSA Northern Europe regional manager, said,
“While business managers may be getting distracted by busy
schedules, we are seeing an increase in respect for intellectual
property, as employees become more aware of piracy and it’s
detrimental impact.
“As a result, we received a record number of leads from
informants during the year,” she said. The largest settlement in
2005 was for £31,000 and there were eight settlements in excess of
£20,000.
The majority of reported companies were from the IT sector
(15%), with the next highest offenders being in sales and
distribution industry (8%). The sectors with the least reported
cases of software misuse were accountancy and medical (1%).
“While it may seem ironic that the IT sector appears to be the
greatest offender when it comes to the illegal use of software, it
is perhaps unsurprising that IT staff are the most aware of
software licensing issues and the potential reward for informing
the BSA,” said Carroll.