Business
FAST puts on velvet glove
The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) and the Software Publishers' Association are making a fresh push against piracy, offering an audit scheme for companies uncertain to the legality of their software.
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Dubbed the UK Cooperative Audit scheme, it allows for organisations under investigation to undergo an audit rather than prosecution. A similar programme has been in place in the US since 1990.
"We felt there was a big gap between the 'cease and desist' letters we send out to hundreds of companies, and going all out for prosecution," said Geoff Webster, FAST chief executive. "One is low-key and the other is coming in with a cleaver, with all the pain and expense a prosecution will incur. But if companies aren't prepared to change we'll still take the next step."
FAST can be contacted on 01753-527999