Software

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Software Licensing

0 helpful
7 replies

by bwestly

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Hypothetical: As the IT Manager, if I am asked to load certain software on a system that I know we have used all the licenses for, but upper management doesn't want to pay for new licenses, am I liable for loading it? If so, how can I protect myself against legal actions should licenses ever be audited?

7 replies

by drb63

Absolutely you're liable. Actually your company would burden the pain. Our business purchased the MLA and since then, a good nights sleep all around. The best way to protect yourself is the be forward with upper-management and let them know that youwill not load any un-licensed application. If they still insist then find another place to work.

by bwestly

It is as I feared. It was interesting that the answers indicated that I should find new employment. I'm wondering just how many people actually put themselves in that position and if they do, what do they put on their resumes as reason for leaving?

by maxwell edison

Yes, you "could" be held liable. (With an emphasis on "could", not necessarily "would".)

You'll get a lot of differing opinions on what to do to protect yourself, so tread with caution.

I recently participated in a TechRepublic discussion onthat very subject. The replies were varied, but all interesting indeed. Take a look at that discussion thread:

https://www.techrepublic.com/forumdiscuss/thread_detail.jhtml?thread_id=79972

(REMOVE SPACES from the pasted URL.)

Also take a look at this site - the "watchdogs" of software license infringement. There's an article on software piracy law, and you can determine your liability for yourself.

http://new.bsa.org/usa/antipiracy/

(REMOVE SPACES from the pasted URL.)

Best of luck,

Maxwell

by bwestly

I will be investigating the websites you included. I feel they will be very helpful. Thank you.

by thechas

At a minimum, you would be considered complicite in the illegal activity.

The only way to protect your self is to refuse to install the software and / or quit.

Make it clear in writing why you are taking the action you take.

Odds are that the worst you would end up in an audit would be as a witness for the prosecution.
Which puts you in a new rock vs hard place situation.

Chas

by bwestly

It is as I feared. It was interesting that the answers indicated that I should find new employment. I'm wondering just how many people actually put themselves in that position and if they do, what do they put on their resumes as reason for leaving?

This discussion is closed to new replies.