BSA Statement on Toronto Resident Software Piracy Ruling
TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - BSA | The Software Alliance today applauded the recent judgment of the Federal Court of Canada against Toronto resident Dale Thompson, who illegally sold copyrighted commercial software programs created by BSA members Adobe, Microsoft and Rosetta Stone via his own website, appletreesolutions.ca, and online marketplace websites such as Kijiji and Craigslist. The court described the evidence of Thompson's copyright infringement "overwhelming" and ordered Thompson to pay statutory damages, punitive damages, and costs amounting to $445,000, in addition to pre and post-judgment interest.
Evidence presented to the court established that Thompson engaged in the unauthorized reproduction of software programs and cover art and offered the counterfeit software for sale on the Internet under the name Appletree Solutions. In addition, Thompson assisted purchasers of the pirated software by supplying detailed instructions for circumventing copy-protection mechanisms and activating the counterfeit software programs.
"BSA is extremely pleased with the outcome of this case," said Jon Berroya, BSA's Director of Global Internet Enforcement. "Consumers who purchase pirated software from individuals like Mr. Thompson may not realize that, in exchange for a low price, they are likely to receive software that is impossible to update or patch, and in some cases is bundled with malware that can result in data loss or identity theft. When purchasing software- it is important to remember that "too good to be true" deals are often exactly that."
Victims of online software sales scams and those wishing to report instances of software piracy can do so confidentially at www.NoPiracy.ca. Through its Faces of Internet Piracy website, SAM Advantage course, and resources available on BSA.org, BSA has worked to educate consumers on proper software asset management and the inherent technical, financial, and legal dangers involved in utilizing unlicensed software.
About BSA
BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading global advocate for the software industry. It is an association of more than 70 world-class companies that invest billions of dollars annually to create software solutions that spark the economy and improve modern life. Through international government relations, intellectual property enforcement, and educational activities, BSA expands the horizons of the digital world and builds trust and confidence in the new technologies driving it forward.
SOURCE: BSA | The Software Alliance
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