Two US companies fined for using illegal software

13.01.2006
Wham-O Inc., 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 (BSA) for using unlicensed commercial software inside their businesses.

Durham, N.C.-based Burt's Bees paid a US$110,000 fine to Washington-based BSA, a software industry watchdog group, after a software audit found unlicensed copies of applications from Adobe Systems Inc., Apple Computer Inc. and Microsoft Corp. on company computers, according to a statement yesterday from the BSA. 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 spokesman for Burt's Bees could not be reached for comment Friday.

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

Earlier this week, the BSA announced that Emeryville, Calif.-based Wham-O paid a US$70,894 fine to settle claims that company employees had used unlicensed copies of Adobe and Microsoft software on office computers. Wham-O is also the maker of Superballs, Hacky Sack toys and other novelty items.

A spokesman for the company could not be reached Friday for comment.