BSA Receives $250,000 Settlement from Florida Resident for Widespread Copying and Selling of Illegal Software

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Florida resident David Thompson was forced to forfeit $250,000 to BSA | The Software Alliance to settle claims that he illegally sold and distributed copies of software products from Adobe and Symantec, both BSA member companies, through his website, www.littlesoftshop.com. BSA originally filed the lawsuit in a Connecticut federal court on behalf of Adobe and Symantec.

BSA's Global Internet Enforcement Program began its investigation in early 2011, and soon discovered that littlesoftshop.com was selling unauthorized copies of its members' products at far below market prices.  After BSA filed suit, the court entered default judgment when Thompson failed to appear in the case. Later, while Thompson was seeking to prevent BSA from attaching his assets to collect on the judgment, BSA's Internet investigations team discovered that Thompson was continuing to illegally offer software for download from his website and unlawfully distributing counterfeit and misappropriated product activation keys via email. BSA immediately brought Thompson's conduct to the court's attention, which resulted in the case being settled shortly thereafter.

In addition to paying the settlement to BSA, Mr. Thompson agreed to turn over all counterfeit and infringing copies of Adobe and Symantec software in his possession and to refrain from selling these BSA member companies' software in the future. Thompson also agreed to provide information to BSA regarding those who supplied his company with illegal activation keys and copies of pirated software.

"BSA's recent settlement of $250,000 with Mr. Thompson is a victory for the intellectual property industry – and, particularly, intellectual property holders," said Jodie Kelley, BSA's Senior Vice President of Anti-Piracy and General Counsel. "The scale of Mr. Thompson's illegal operation and subsequent settlement should serve as a stark reminder that engaging in the theft of intellectual property has serious consequences."

BSA has recently launched a new website at internet.bsa.org with the latest news and information to guide consumers on how to protect themselves and 'shop smart' when purchasing software online. The site includes comprehensive guidance on recognizing pirated software, identifying disreputable sellers, as well as the warning signs that will help consumers identify disreputable e-Commerce websites, online auction listings, and classified ads. The site also describes potential risks associated with acquiring and using pirated software and step-by-step directions for reporting illegal activity directly to BSA.

About BSA
BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading global advocate for the software industry. It is an association of 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