Software license audits and contractual compliance reviews
Not every compliance gap is piracy. Existing customers often use more than they bought: extra users, higher editions, other sites or expired terms. ITCA reviews contracts against actual deployment, so publishers are paid for what is used and customers get a clear, fair result.
How it works
Scope
We agree the products, sites and period, based on the audit clause in the license agreement.
Collect data
Deployment data, license records and, where needed, interviews or an on-site visit.
Reconcile
We compare entitlements with actual use: number of users, editions, installations, sites and terms.
Report and resolve
A written report sets out any shortfall, and we help agree a true-up purchase or new license plan.
When it fits
Suspected over-use by a customer or partner
More users, sites or editions than the contract covers.
An audit right you have never used
Many license agreements include one. A professional audit puts it to use without straining the relationship.
A renewal or contract change
A review before renewal makes sure the new contract reflects real use.
Using more than you licensed: court cases
Siemens Wins ₹20 Lakh Over Unlicensed NX in India, and the Owner Goes to Jail for Contempt
A New Delhi commercial court awarded Siemens ₹20 lakh against a mould maker running NX on up to 10 computers with 2 licenses. The owner was jailed for contempt.
Delhi High Court Bars Cleantech Firm From Using Unlicensed SolidWorks, Citing Phone-Home Data
The Delhi High Court granted Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks an interim injunction against a cleantech firm running unlicensed copies on 12 computers.
Questions
What is a software license audit?
A review of whether an organization’s actual use of a software product matches the licenses it holds, usually carried out under the audit clause of the license agreement.
Can a software publisher audit its customers?
Yes, if the license agreement includes an audit clause. Most business software agreements do, with notice periods and rules on how the audit is carried out.
What happens if an audit finds a shortfall?
Usually the customer buys the missing licenses, sometimes with back maintenance. Disputes can go to mediation or, if needed, to court.
Talk to a compliance specialist
Tell us about your software and markets, and we will show you how a program would work for you.
Contact ITCA