Therefore, do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Such tips lead to cease and desist letters from BSA or the SPA and may lead to investigation of your business. Thus, the presence of unlicensed software on your business's computer system can prove costly. If you should receive an investigation demand, you should consult with counsel immediately for advice regarding compliance. BSA is running an extensive radio campaign to publicize this truce, as well as a direct mail campaign to businesses in targeted Zip codes in the above cities.
Truces are likely in other geographic areas in the coming months.
If targeted organizations come into full compliance with software license provisions during the truce, BSA will not seek to impose penalties for previous unauthorized copying if the BSA should choose to investigate the organization's compliance at some later date. There has been some confusion on this latter point. If you receive a truce letter, it does not necessarily mean that your organization is under investigation. Although organizations resident in the targeted areas should take advantage of the truce if appropriate, it should be pointed out that the US truce rules do not require organizations to speak with BSA or Microsoft about their software portfolio problems, nor does the truce cover unlicensed software from vendors that are not BSA members. Organizations should seek legal counsel before they discuss their possible software infringement issues with BSA, Microsoft or any other software vendor or organization.