Torch admits software piracy

The Business Software Alliance has reached an out-of-court settlement with Torch Design, after the London consultancy admitted liability for using illegal computer software.

Torch has paid 2000 to BSA after admitting using unlicensed copies of software, including Adobe Streamline, Photoshop and Symnatec Smartsuite.

BSA contacted the consultancy after receiving a telephone call on its hotline service. The alliance represents software developers and takes an active role in finding and fighting copyright infringements.

“We do not see stealing a car as a creative idea or plagiarising a book as acceptable. Why should software be any different?” says BSA Europe managing director and vice-president Emilia Knight. Staff at Torch decline to comment on the case.