Opinion ID: 2010647
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: SIIA's Accusation of Copyright Infringement

Text: SIIA acknowledges that, [i]n March 2005, [it] received a communication via the Internet from [Doe] who alleged that Solers was using unlicensed software. Soon thereafter, on April 29, 2005, SIIA's attorney wrote to the President of Solers, accusing Solers of copyright infringement. The letter stated that SIIA has evidence that Solers, Inc. is engaged in the unlawful copying and use of software published by the software publishers listed in [the attached exhibit] in violation of the Copyright Act, Title 17 U.S.C. § 501, et seq. The letter announced that [SIIA is] prepared to seek remedies available under the Copyright Act, but explained that SIIA prefer[s] to work with companies to reach a resolution that is quick, fair and out of the public spotlight ... [through] a three part process [that leads to] an easy and quick settlement.... SIIA's letter demanded that Solers complete an internal audit of its software programs, instructed Solers on how to complete the audit, and requested that Solers deliver the results to SIIA. According to SIIA's letter, once the audit was completed, the parties would negotiate a settlement and SIIA would release Solers from all claims and causes of action for copyright infringement. The letter warned, however, that if Solers [ ] is unwilling to promptly conduct an audit and the other activities mentioned [in the letter], [Solers] should be aware that SIIA will not hesitate to initiate litigation against Solers [] for copyright infringement. The letter did not provide any information about the alleged evidence of Solers' copyright infringement, or any details regarding the source of this evidence. According to Solers, [b]etween May 2 and May 13, 2005, representatives of SIIA and Solers communicated regarding [SIIA's] allegations of software piracy by Solers. Through these communications, Solers informed SIIA that it had reviewed its computer systems and confirmed that Solers had violated no party's copyright. Solers further asserts that [a]s a result of the communications between Solers and SIIA between May 2 and May 13, Solers satisfied SIIA that [Doe's] allegations were false. On Friday, May 13, 2005, counsel for SIIA confirmed to [Solers' attorney] that SIIA had `closed its file' on Solers. (SIIA states that it decided not to pursue a claim against Solers in order to protect the identity of John Doe, not because it concluded that his allegations were false.)