The Business Software Alliance ("BSA") and Software & Information Industry Association ("SIIA") represent the interests of large software companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Autodesk, among others. Among other industry-advocacy programs, the BSA and SIIA are well known for demanding software audits from companies based on allegations that those companies are using unlicensed software. Businesses that are unable to produce evidence of license ownership (usually in the form of purchase receipts) for software installed on their computers typically resolve such matters in out-of-court settlements involving fines and enhanced license-compliance obligations. Software audits themselves often are expensive undertakings, especially when coupled with the expense of purchasing licenses for software that is needed for business operations. According to Keli Johnson, an attorney with Scott & Scott, LLP: "Businesses can mitigate software-audit exposure by taking a few critical steps:

1. Maintain and enforce policies on software use and license acquisition.

2. Conduct routine self-audits.

3. Keep all software receipts and license certificates.

These steps will help companies to be able to demonstrate ownership of licenses for all software installations present in their IT environment as of the effective date of the audit. However, for more complex software licenses (such as those associated with some Microsoft volume licensing models, for example), companies are well advised to seek the assistance of licensing experts or knowledgeable legal counsel." For more information, please contact Ms. Johnson at 800-596-6176 or KJohnson@scottandscottllp.com.