16 firms inspected; PCs with unlicensed softwares seized

CEBU, Philippines - Five computer units with unlicensed softwares were seized from 16 establishments inspected by the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team in less than two days here in Cebu.

The names of the 16 establishments remain confidential but Atty. Cyrus Paul Valenzuela, OMB legal division chief, said among those visited were call centers, Internet cafe’s, factories, and other companies using computers.

The computers confiscated will be used as evidence that the establishments from which they were seized indeed used unlicensed softwares.

Valenzuela said the high amount in purchasing licensed softwares is what owners and operators of businesses usually give out as defense for using unlicensed softwares. Several also reportedly said they were not aware that their softwares were unlicensed because they were already installed upon purchase of their computer units.

Valenzuela said some establishments whose software licenses have already expired during the inspection may be allowed to renew the licenses but this reportedly would be on a case-to-case basis. If these establishments would fail to validate their software licenses then they would be sent a notice of hearing, he said.

He said further the subject establishments are still allowed to operate so as not to prejudice their businesses.

“We are not here to harass and cause damage,” Valenzuela said.

OMB members have returned to Manila but Valenzuela said they will send personnel here once they continue to receive complaints. He said the local police and the National Bureau of Investigation may also respond to complaints, provided they have a warrant or the business establishment is caught in the act.

The anti-piracy team is composed of OMB, PNP and NBI.

Before the inspections, the anti-piracy team gave different business establishments here in Cebu 20 days to ensure the validity of their computer softwares. These companies are under the Business Software Alliance that helps the anti-piracy team determine the validity of software licenses.

The use of unlicensed softwares is said to be causing big damage to the country’s economy and contributed to losses in the information technology industry. — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)