In fact, Waste Management should have the demo in its possession, as it was transferred to the trash hauler's system in late 2005 and early 2006, according to SAP, which demanded in a May 14 filing that Waste Management turn it over.

But Waste Management has filed an affidavit from a company IT manager who says that to his knowledge, Waste Management never installed or operated the demo.

But it is possible Waste Management simply hasn't looked extensively enough for the software, SAP said in a filing.

Neither company responded to requests for additional comment.

However the dispute plays out, it suggests that customers would be wise to preserve a copy of product demonstrations as they form new license agreements with vendors.