New Delhi, India – December 2011

In a powerful step forward in the fight against software piracy, an Indian criminal court has jailed a company director for illegally using cracked commercial software. This case marks the first known instance in India where an individual has been detained for software license infringement without bail pending investigation.

The accused, Managing Director of New Delhi-based VM Informatics (VMI), now faces up to three years in prison if convicted of violating Indian copyright law.

$500,000 in Pirated Tekla Software Discovered

The case began with a criminal complaint filed by Tekla Corporation, a provider of advanced modeling software for construction and infrastructure. In July 2011, anti-piracy investigators and local police raided VMI’s offices, uncovering unauthorized copies of Tekla software valued at over $176,000.

Despite a court-issued injunction from the Delhi High Court ordering VMI to cease further use, a second raid revealed the company had re-offended, with new computers containing even more illegal copies. The total value of the pirated software uncovered now exceeds $500,000.

Criminal and Civil Charges Filed

VMI’s Managing Director was arrested on December 12, 2011, and remained in custody until at least December 19 as his bail hearing was postponed. The Indian court also initiated contempt proceedings for violating its earlier injunction — a charge that could carry an additional one-year custodial sentence.

In parallel to the criminal case, VMI and its executive face a civil lawsuit valued at $500,000, seeking damages for the unauthorized use of Tekla’s licensed software.

ITCA Statement on the Case

Chris Luijten, CEO of ITCA:

“Software piracy remains a major challenge, especially in high-growth markets like India. Those who knowingly use or distribute unlicensed software should take notice — ITCA will continue to pursue civil and criminal enforcement against violators without hesitation.”

Andre Corniere, Director of Steel Segment at Tekla:

“Piracy undermines the competitiveness of our law-abiding customers. At Tekla, we are fully committed to protecting our users, our intellectual property, and the integrity of the market.”

Help Stop Software Piracy

If you are aware of someone using pirated software in a commercial setting, please report it in confidence to ITCA.

Report Software Piracy to ITCA

Summary

  • Offender: Managing Director of VM Informatics (New Delhi)
  • Company: VM Informatics (VMI)
  • Victim: Tekla Corporation (Trimble)
  • Pirated Value: $500,000+ USD
  • Charges: Copyright infringement, contempt of court, civil damages
  • Jurisdiction: Delhi High Court, India
  • Penalty Risk: Up to 3 years imprisonment + civil liability