SIIA Software Licensing Audit Disputes
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SIIA Audit Blogs
Unpleasant Surprises in SIIA Software Audits
Christopher Barnett
Many companies who comply with a demand by a software publisher or industry association (such as the BSA or the SIIA) for an internal software audit end up facing significant settlement demands after forwarding their audit materials to the other side.
Unbundling Software Suites in SIIA Audits
Robert J. Scott
One of the most controversial tactics the SIIA uses when calculating its settlement demands is its practice of unbundling software suites such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. Unbundling occurs when the target of a SIIA audit is unable to provide acceptable proof of purchase for one or more installation of a software suite.
The Importance of “Audit Effective Date” in SIIA Audits
Robert J. Scott
One of the first things I ask a prospective client is: What is the date on the initial letter you received from the SIIA? The date on the initial in a SIIA letter is often referred to as the Audit Effective Date. This date is important for many reasons.
SIIA Audit FAQ's
A. The Software & Information Industry Association is an industry trade group whose members include software giants such as Adobe, Symantec, Macromedia, and Computer Associates.
A. The SIIA has no independent law enforcement authority of any kind. Its rights are derived from a power of attorney provided by its member software companies. Those companies have rights created by their software license agreements and under the laws protecting copyrights.
A. The Software & Information Industry Association is well funded and very aggressive. Attempting to ignore the problem by not responding will likely make your problems worse, leaving the SIIA with no other option but to institute litigation against you and your company.
SIIA Audit Articles
11 SIIA Audit Best Practices
Robert J. Scott, Ground Report
It is important to prepare in case a software vendor sends you an email or letter asking for an audit. Not being prepared ends up in loss of money and takes away time from productive work. This article gives you 11 very useful best practices on how to prepare for...
4 Tips for Surviving SIIA Audits
Robert J. Scott, Ground Report
It is important to prepare in case a software vendor sends you an email or letter asking for an audit. Not being prepared ends up in loss of money and takes away time from productive work. This article gives you 11 very useful best practices on how to prepare for...
Lessons Learned in Over 500 Software License Disputes
Robert J. Scott, Finance Monthly Spotlight Feature
Regardless of whether the publisher is Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Oracle, IBM or any of their trade groups including the BSA | The Software Alliance, Scott & Scott, LLP sees common issues - here are the most critical ones.
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