A software audit typically resolves in one of three ways: a
dismissal, a settlement, or litigation. The most common path to
resolution is a settlement between the parties for potential
copyright infringement stemming from allegedly unlicensed software.
Software publishers sometimes authorize entities such as the
Business Software Alliance ("BSA") or Software &
Information Industry Association to pursue copyright infringement
claims on its behalf, while other publishers prefer to pursue
potential copyright claims directly.
Autodesk, for example, is among a number of software publishers
that audits companies directly and use trade associates to conduct
audits on its behalf. If a company is unable to produce valid
proof of purchase documentation for each of its Autodesk
installations, that company typically pays a settlement fee and
enters into a settlement agreement with Autodesk. Among the various
provisions of the settlement agreement, Autodesk requires
