Civil extortion in software audit cases?

Copyright & Software Settlemenets - Is this legal or civil extortion?

Welcome to another exciting episode of Vondran Legal with Attorney Steve Vondran.

Introduction

In this episode we are talking about what happens when ypu complete a software licensing audit and are moving to get your case settled.  The intellectual property attorney for the software company (note it could be attorney for copyright bully in a BIttorrent illegal file sharing case) has been authorized by their client to settle the case confidentially, but then when it comes time to close the deal they say "do you want confidentiality for another $5,000."  Does this statement cross the line into the area of civil extortion?  Did they "good guy" just become the "bad guu."  In other words, is the representative requesting that you pay a fine, fee or penalty for them NOT TO EXPOSE THE SECRET THAT YOURT COMPANY WAS A SOFTWARE PIRATE?  This blog provides general legal information and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal advice.

More Resources

1.  VIDEO: Are software audit settlements confidential

Contact a Federal Copyright & Software Law Firm

If you need help dealing with a software audit letter, DMCA take down notice, Notice of copyright infringement or notice of subpoean from your ISP call us at (877) 276-5084.  We have helped many companies around the United States and we can help you.