NBI raids 2 firms using pirated software

Intensifying its drive against computer software piracy, the National Bureau of Investigation seized some P5 million worth of pirated computer software from two computer firms in Makati City and Mandaluyong City over the weekend.

NBI agents belonging to its Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) seized 32 personal computer units loaded with unlicensed Microsoft and Autodesk software from the Interactive Data System Inc. (IDSI) located at the 9th Floor, Sterling Center, Dela Rosa Avenue, Makati City; and Filipinas Dravo Corp. (FDC) at the 2nd Floor, PNCC Building, Edsa corner Reliance street, Mandaluyong City.

According to the NBI, the two offices were raided based on a complaint filed by the Business Software Alliance (BSA). Both Microsoft and Autodesk are members of the BSA, a non-profit international organization representing business software manufacturers in its drive against software piracy worldwide.

The raids were conducted after the needed search warrants were secured from Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr.

Seized from IDSI were 11 computers while 21 units were taken by NBI agents from the FDC. The computers were allegedly loaded with unlicensed Microsoft and Autodesk software products such as MS Windows ’98, MS Office 2000, Office ’97, AutoCAD R-14 and 3D Studio Max 2.5.

According to the NBI, the FDC is an architectural and engineering firm engaged in engineering design, project and construction management and computer-aided and structural designs.

AutoCAD and 3D Studio Max 2.5 are software designed for computer graphics.

Charges for violation of the Copyright Infringement Law are now being prepared against the officers of the two firms before the Department of Justice. – Mike Frialde