188 companies face software piracy investigation

The BSA's truce campaign offered companies a once-off opportunity to review their software and acquire the necessary licenses needed to operate lawfully without facing penalties. With the truce concluded, the BSA will now resume its anti-piracy enforcement drive.

"We are pleased that 215 companies took the opportunity to get their house in order and adopt good software asset management practices. The companies that registered ran unlicensed software on over 9000 desktop PCs. Truce applicants that did the right thing, now have peace of mind knowing they operate lawfully," says Andrew Lindström, chairman of the BSA.

The 188 companies that face investigation were reported for alleged software piracy during the truce. "None of these companies registered to clean up during the four months window period offered by the BSA. It is now business as usual, we will be investigating these companies and will be taking legal
action where evidence of unlicensed software is found," adds Lindström.

The BSA is still however calling on businesses that registered for the truce but not yet filed their Software Compliance Statements with the BSA, to retain exemption. "Businesses cannot simply register and then do nothing. They have to file a statement saying they have checked their software and taken the necessary steps towards compliance," says Lindström.

"In addition to the companies that registered for the truce, we believe there are thousands of other businesses that quietly cleaned up unlicensed software without registering. A number of software retailers reported a spike in sales during the BSA Truce and we can conclude from the high number of hotline calls that companies took note of this campaign," says Lindström.

BSA has garnered support from key government agencies in South Africa including South African Chamber of Business (SACOB) and the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti). Adds Lana van Zyl, director of commercial investigation, DTI: "We recognize the impact public-private sector initiatives such as the BSA's software piracy truce can have on educating citizens about intellectual property and copyright protection."

According to an IDC study, a 10-point reduction in South Africa's 34% software piracy rate by 2006 could add R12.8 billion to the economy, create more than 3300 high wage jobs and generate more than R784 million in new tax revenues. For more information on the BSA call the hotline: 0800 110 447, or visit: www.bsa.co.za.