Anti-piracy team raids firms using unlicensed software

Agents of the Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted simultaneous raids against several engineering and construction companies for allegedly using unlicensed business software programs in their business.

The NBI raided NFF Industrial Corp. in Mandaluyong City for allegedly using unlicensed AutoCAD 2005; Pathland Development Corp. in Pasig City for unlicensed AutoCAD 2000 and AutoDesk Architectural Desktop; C.M. Pancho Construction, Inc. in Quezon City for unlicensed AutoCAD Release 14, AutoCAD 2000 and AutoCAD 2002; PDR Technology Asia, Inc. in Makati City for unlicensed AutoCAD 2000; Federal Land/Federal Homes, Inc. in Makati City for unlicensed AutoCAD; and Step One Property Builders, Inc. in Makati City for unlicensed AutoCAD 2000. The NBI seized a total of 30 personal computers and servers and software programs estimated to be worth P7.5 million.

Reports on the said companies using unlicensed Autodesk software programs were received through the anti-piracy hotline of the Business Software Alliance (BSA). The NBI raided these companies after verifying the reports and securing search warrants from Executive Judge Antonio M. Eugenio Jr. of the Manila RTC Branch 24.

"The BSA lauds the NBI for its successful enforcement of the copyright law. We strongly advocate that companies use only properly licensed software in order to avoid the legal consequence that may follow. We are talking here about companies who are profiting directly in their business through the use of illegal business software," said Tarun Sawney, BSA director of anti-piracy, Asia.

Under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, violators face imprisonment of up to nine years and a fine of up to P1.5 million.

The raid was part of the crackdown of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team against companies that continue to use unlicensed software. The team had given companies 30 days from Aug. 17 to Sept. 15 to legalize all software programs used in their business.

Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano, who is the spokesperson of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team, reminded companies to make sure all their software programs have proper licenses. "Companies should monitor their software licenses to avoid disruption of business and the embarrassment of raids," he said.