Don’t Be Fooled: Autodesk Takes Action Against Sales of Unlicensed Software

“AUTOCAD 2008 SPECIAL OUR PRICE $129.95!”
Have you read an ad like this one recently? Autodesk is warning its resellers and customers about a rash of spam advertising Autodesk products at huge discounts.

Writes an Autodesk spokesperson in a recent memo to resellers,

“The products offered are not legitimate. The low, low prices are the first indicator that the products are pirated/counterfeit or not valid. Autodesk is working with the BSA and a number of government agencies to find the source of these spam ads and take action against the originators.”

The note from Autodesk also warns that customers may have been duped by spam ads like the one above, and purchased product from a company called BuysUSA. According to Autodesk, the individual behind BuysUSA, who was doing business in Florida, was arrested by the FBI and is currently serving six years in federal prison. He was ordered by the court to pay $4.2 million in restitution to Autodesk as a result of his illegal sales. He has since paid a total of $70,000, an amount obtained by forfeiture of some of his assets.

For more information about license compliance or reporting unlicensed software, contact your Hagerman & Company sales associate.

 

 

 

This page last edited on Wednesday, September 17, 2008