Unlicensed software usage: iCan Benefit pays BSA $61,500 to settle claims

The Business Software Alliance (BSA), the voice of the world's commercial software industry, today announced a settlement with iCan Benefit Group of Boca Raton, FL.  iCan Benefit paid $61,500 to BSA to settle claims that it had unlicensed copies of Adobe, Microsoft and Symantec software installed on its computers.  As part of the settlement agreement, the company agreed to delete all unlicensed copies of software from its computers, acquire any licenses necessary to become compliant, and commit to implementing stronger software asset management (SAM) practices.  BSA was alerted to the unlicensed software use by a confidential report made on its web site www.nopiracy.com.

iCan Benefit was founded five years ago with a mission of providing Americans with medical care through affordable health insurance.  The group currently offers a range of products and services including iCan health insurance, media and marketing, telehealth, and forensic claims auditing.

"iCan Benefit has always been committed to the highest level of business standards," said Steve Tucker, Co-Founder and CEO of the iCan Group.  "While working with BSA to reach this agreement, we've focused on enhancing ways of protecting our intellectual property. It's important for all companies to implement systems that ensure computer software is used in accordance with licensing rules.  The settlement agreement did not include any admission of liability."

"All businesses need to be certain they have adequate licenses for all software installed on their computers," said Jenny Blank, BSA's Senior Director of Legal Affairs.  "Proper software asset management helps to maximize a company's IT investment and ensure the highest level of software security.  Unfortunately, the use of unlicensed software is a significant issue that impacts the technology industry and ultimately jeopardizes the spirit of innovation and creativity that is so critical to success."  

SOURCE Business Software Alliance