The Business Software Alliance’s (BSA) London piracy crackdown has netted three more firms. Inca Creative, Matthews & Goodman LLP and Fortune Asset Management have had to cough up a total of almost £100,000 after being caught using unlicensed software.

Following campaigns in Glasgow and Manchester, the BSA recently turned its attention to England’s capital. The London piracy rate is estimated by IDC to stand at 20 per cent, with London businesses installing unlicensed software worth £149m each year.

The BSA said the three cases highlight the financial risk that business in the capital run by using unlicensed software.

“Our campaign is designed to help organisations avoid penalties, but London, as one of the world’s biggest centres of commerce, needs to set an example and companies flouting the law will be exposed,” said Alyna Cope, representative for BSA’s UK Country Committee.

Property advisors Matthews & Goodman had to pay a settlement of £17,500 for under-licensing Microsoft software on about 75 PCs and three servers. Design agency Inca and asset management firm Fortune Asset Management were also caught in the act and had to stump up about £15,000 and £18,500, respectively, to get their houses in order.

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said: “Stamping out software piracy in the city means business can save money and be more productive, while also reducing the risk of computer viruses and security problems.”