The Software & Information Industry Association maintains telephone hotlines and a web site to encourage confidential sources, typically disgruntled employees and vendors, to make reports against companies of all sizes. The SIIA offer rewards of up to $50,000 and promise confidentiality to informants. The Software & Information Industry Association investigates reports of software piracy without adequately confirming the veracity of the information provided or the motive of the person making the compliant.

Once a report is received, the Software & Information Industry Association makes a decision about whether to request a self audit in lieu of filing suit. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the Software & Information Industry Association pursues the self-audit approach. Acting either through an internal enforcement attorney or an outside law firm, the SIIA will send a letter to the target company requesting a self audit. To see samples of these letters click here. The request for an audit is a critical stage in the process, and the time when an experienced attorney can help your business the most. If your company has received an audit letter from the Software & Information Industry Association, you should contact an attorney now who defends SIIA audits.