To quell claims related to usage of unlicensed copies of Adobe, Autodesk, Corel and Quest software installed on its computers, AutoTrader, the online marketplace for motor vehicles has paid a settlement amount of $400,000. As a follow-up to the settlement, AutoTrader also consented to delete all unlicensed copies of software from its computers, purchase all licenses critical to compliance and commit to executing more robust software asset management (SAM) practices.

The resolution of the case was finalized on the basis of the Business Software Alliance’s (BSA) whistleblower’s report published on the website www.nopiracy.org, which offers incentives of up to $1m for those who bring up such instances.

AutoTrader’s Bob Hadley stated that his firm had always maintained high levels of integrity and that this audit had brought to light the significance of putting in place procedures that ensure all that all software procurements and licenses are aligned with BSA regulations.