AutoData Disks & Trading Standards doing the rounds

Good afternoon All



Recently officers of the Trading Standards Department of [XXX Council] accompanied by Computer Specialists conducted a small scale survey to determine the use of illegal counterfeit AutoData discs and software at local repair garages.



As you are aware to be able to utilise the technical information provided by autodata you would need to be a paying subscriber and your payment gives you a licence for your business to use the material in the course of your business activities.



Anecdotal evidence has suggested that copy and counterfeit software discs are available cheaply on eBay and are also being offered around garages.



A snapshot picture was gained regarding the situation in [XXX Council] when 17 garages were visited with a total of 7 businesses running this unlicensed software. These figures unfortunately include a number of our Motor Trade Charter Members.



The possession and use of such infringing material could leave businesses open to prosecution under both the COPYRIGHT DESIGN & PATENTS ACT and the TRADEMARKS ACT. During the course of the survey the matter was dealt with by the Computer Experts physically removing the software from the businesses computers and the taking away of any discs found on the premises. If these premises are found at a later date to have started to use unlicensed software again there will b no option to initiate an investigation which could lead to a criminal prosecution.



Given the extent of the problem that we have identified Officers will continue to carry out inspections targeted at looking for infringing material. I would like to remind all Members that use of this material is potentially a breach of Criminal Law and we will strongly recommend that any businesses who know at the moment that they use such material immediately remove it from use and destroy any discs. If you require any assistance in this matter or would like any clarification please do not hesitate to contact [xxxxxx xxxxxx] Senior Fair Trading Officer who supervises Motor Trade Inspections, his direct line is nnnn nnnnnn and he can be contacted via e mail on xxxxxx@xxx council.gov.uk



Regards



xxxx xxxx

Fair Trading Officer

xxx council Trading Standards Consumer Advice Section