BSA sticks label maker with £24,800 settlement

Anonymous tip-off uncovers unlicensed software use at Flintshire-based System Labelling

Anti-piracy body the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has ordered System Labelling to cough up £24,800 for using unlicensed Microsoft products.

The Flintshire-based label manufacturer was caught by the BSA following an anonymous tip-off about the firm's use of several unlicensed Microsoft products. The informant received a £1,100 reward.

The £24,800 fee System Labelling was ordered to pay includes settlement fees and corrective software purchases.

Julian Swan, direct of compliance marketing for EMEA at the BSA, said the case highlights the need for senior managers to keep track of IT assets.

"Unlicensed software use can occur when a company's management regard software licensing only as an IT problem, not recognising that failure to manage their software as a business asset could expose their company to legal redress and operational failure," he said.

Michala Wardell, chair of the BSA UK committee, added: "The financial penalties aside, using unlicensed software can also carry multiple business risks. Companies may not have access to the same support services and patches as legal versions, which can lead to downtime and exposure to viruses."