Autodesk, Inc. uses a variety of resources to identify potential
audit targets. Many of these targets are small architecture or
engineering firms that employ independent contractors in lieu of
full time employees as CAD operators.
A typical Autodesk software audit letter requests information
regarding any installations of Autodesk products on company
machines. The following are three possible scenarios involving
independent contractors that have differing licensing
implications:
1) Independent Contractor using company-owned Autodesk software
on a company-owned machine.
Section 18 of Exhibit A of Autodesk's most recent End User
License Agreement defines a licensee as "(a) the company or
other legal entity on behalf of which Autodesk Materials are
acquired, if the Autodesk Materials are acquired on behalf of such
an entity (e.g., by an employee, independent contractor, or other
authorized representative), or (b) if there is no such entity, the
individual who
