U.S. Companies Fined for Using Illegal Software (Patriot Perf. Materials)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

Wham-O, the maker of Frisbees and Hula Hoops, and Burt's Bees, which makes natural soap, shampoo and beauty products, are among the latest companies to be fined by the Business Software Alliance for using unlicensed commercial software inside their businesses.

Durham, N.C.-based Burt's Bees paid a $110,000 fine to Washington-based BSA, a software industry watchdog group, after a software audit found unlicensed copies of applications from Adobe Systems, Apple Computer, and Microsoft on company computers, according to a statement yesterday from the alliance. As part of the settlement, Burt's Bees agreed to delete any unlicensed copies, purchase replacement software, and strengthen its software management practices, the BSA said.

A spokesperson for Burt's Bees could not be reached for comment.

An anonymous report on software use by Burt's Bees came in through an online report filed on the BSA Web site. BSA attorneys then contacted the company, which cooperated and conducted an audit.

More: http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,124377,00.asp

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

1. On Patriot Performance Materials

"Patriot Performance Materials, Inc. was founded specifically to meet the unique demands and needs of the Special Forces community. Founding members of PPM, Inc. have extensive experience in Naval Special Warfare and U.S. Army Special Operations. In addition, Patriot's staff is comprised of individuals with a wide variety of military and scientific backgrounds.

Patriot Performance Materials, Inc. offers innovative armor solutions and products for personnel, vehicle, aircraft and architectural applications. Patriot also designs and manufactures tactical gear and equipment providing the edge needed in today's demanding operational environment.

PPM Middle East Update

PPM's 110,000 square foot Kuwait facility continues to provide timely contract support to the US Army. As of 27 December 2005 we have successfully installed over 1130 "Add-On Armor" (AoA) kits to Heavy and Medium Tactical Wheeled Vehicles. PPM-ME is currently ahead of contract schedule and strives, as always, to continually exceed our customer's expectations."

Hmmmm.

[Ian David]

2. One more reason to treat your employees with dignity

They are the ones who will blow the whistle on you after your company fucks them over.

For example, by reporting to U.S. Customs when your company ships software internationally without declaring its real commercial value.

That's when the RCMP raid the offices of all your Canadian clients to look at their books and to inspect their computers.

Some of us take copies of documentation home with us just in case, especially after our boss gives us the speech about how his dad used to work in a coal mine and we don't really need a respirator to spray that insecticide.

[Howardx]

3. its very easy

i believe my sister did it to a former employee who bought one copy of windows for 100 computers