Regardless of whether you are running unlicensed software on your computer networks, it is likely just a matter of time before your business receives a letter from an external auditor, such as SIIA. Having represented many companies in SIIA audits, Scott & Scott’s lawyers believe that there are only two types of companies: those that have been audited by the SIIA and those that will be audited by the SIIA. The Software & Information Industry Association spends substantial resources marketing and paying reward money to disgruntled employees and vendors to encourage them to “rat” on your business. With rewards of up to $50,000 and no accountability for false reporting, these vindictive complaints may cause injury to you, your business, and your business’ reputation.

Your business, regardless of its size, is a target because no matter what, someone is going to think you treated them unfairly and may make a report to “get even.”