BSA Acts Against Software Scams; Software Watchdog Continues to Combat Internet Piracy.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2002

In its ongoing effort to protect consumers from Internet software pirates and support a safe, secure and legal online community, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) announced that last month it executed three unannounced court-ordered seizures on individuals whom BSA investigated for selling unlicensed software out of their homes in Kentucky, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Under the supervision of the U.S. Marshals, BSA carried away computers, equipment and CDs used in the mail-order operations.

BSA identified these vendors by purchasing multiple copies of Adobe, Autodesk, Macromedia and Microsoft software programs. While the suggested retail price for the software acquired by BSA was more than $190,000, BSA paid a combined total of only $1,087 for the programs obtained online.

BSA's Online Investigative Unit actively searches the Internet to uncover unscrupulous vendors peddling pirated, compilation or counterfeit software products on popular auction sites or through email spams or via other Internet venues.

In addition to bringing civil actions, BSA works with criminal law enforcement authorities, promotes protection for intellectual property by auction sites and operates a high-volume notice and takedown program.

"As consumers increasingly shop for software online, the proliferation of vendors offering pirated products is of major concern to the industry," said Bob Kruger, vice president of enforcement for the Business Software Alliance. "BSA is working to stem this tide by bringing enforcement actions, educating consumers and enlisting the assistance of auction site operators and Internet service providers (ISPs).

BSA, a software watchdog representing the nation's leading software publishers, estimates that mail-order piracy on the Internet is a serious threat to the software industry. It constitutes an increasing portion of the estimated $12 billion(a) in lost sales that software publishers suffer annually.

The following are helpful tips on safe shopping for software online:

-- Trust Your Instincts -- Whether it is being sold as new or used, if a price
for software seems too good to be true, it probably is.

-- Make Sure It is Authentic -- Be suspicious of software products that do not
include proof of authenticity including original disks, manuals, licensing,
policies, warranties, etc.

-- Read the Label -- Beware of products that do not look genuine.

-- Keep Receipts -- Print out a copy of your order number and sales
confirmation and keep them at least until your software arrives in satisfactory
condition.

-- Steer Clear of Compilations - Be wary of compilations of software titles
from different publishers on a single disk.

-- Report Piracy -- Buyers suspecting software piracy, counterfeit software
and/or fraud on auction sites should contact law enforcement agencies and BSA
at 1-888 NOPIRACY or www.bsa.org.

(a) "2000 Global Software Piracy Study," conducted by International Planning & Research Corporation.

The Business Software Alliance is the voice of the world's software and Internet industry before governments and with consumers in the international marketplace. Its members represent the fastest growing industry in the world. BSA educates computer users on software copyright; advocates public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunities; and fights software piracy.

BSA worldwide members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Borland, CNC Software/Mastercam, Macromedia, Microsoft, Symantec and Unigraphics Solutions. BSA Web site: www.bsa.org.