More than 100 cases of businesses using illegal computer software were detected last year, it was revealed today.
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) said it received 113 reports of the practice on its telephone helpline and website. "As a result of these piracy reports the BSA initiated over 104 enforcement actions.
Amongst these actions, many companies were raided pursuant to High Court orders granted and sued for damages," a BSA statement said today.
Businesses found to be failing to comply with copyright laws in 2003 ranged from small architectural practices to medium-sized engineering firms to large financial institutions.
The hi-tech industry one of the worst offenders accounting for 29 per cent of the firms reported to the BSA. Manufacturing firms (18 per cent) were the next worst culprits, followed by the construction industry (15 per cent).
"Illegal software use hurts many entities but most of all the IT industry. Technology-related companies that do not put effective software-asset management procedures in place are literally shooting themselves in the foot," said BSA Ireland Chairman Mr Julian McMenamin, said.
