07/01/2008 [ tribune.net.ph ]
Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (NBI-AFCCD) recently swooped down on four construction and architectural firms for allegedly using illegal copies of Autodesk software in their business operations.
The four companies raided were Centrex Corporation and/or Centrex House located at No. 206 M.H. del Pilar Street, corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City; DQA Design & Planning, Inc. located at Unit 2103, 88 Corporate Center, No. 141 Valero Street, Makati City; Marksteel Construction Corporation located at No. 617 Komprey Street, Barangay Ramon Cruz, GMA, Cavite and; E.I. Construction & Development Corporation located at No. 2247 Alexander corner Ford Street, San Isidro, Makati City.
The raid was conducted on the basis of search warrants issued by the Manila City Regional Trial Court.
During the operation, the agents confiscated a total of 50 desktop computers and two laptop units loaded with pirated AutoCAD, Studio Max and Architectural desktop as well as seven unlicensed CD installers of AutoCAD software amounting to 19.6 million pesos. All these software are owned by Autodesk, a software publisher known for its design software. The firms that were raided allegedly use the software in their business operations particularly in the delivery of its services to clients.
Last March, the NBI also conducted an operation against three construction and architectural firms located in Makati City for using pirated software. A total of 26 computers and one CPU loaded with unlicensed Autodesk software were confiscated from Thunderbird Poro Development Ventures Inc., Japanese Architectural Office and Lycopodium (Philippines) Pty. Ltd.
Software piracy is a violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and is punishable of up to 9 years imprisonment and a fine of up to P1.5 million.
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