The owner of Young’s two commercial radio stations, 2LF and Roccy FM, is being taken to court over allegations they were using unlicensed computer software.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Global software manufacturers, Microsoft and Adobe, are suing the SuperRadio Network and its founder Bill Caralis, alleging multiple copyright infringements over the unauthorised use of their software.
Young’s 2LF and Roccy FM, as well as Dubbo radio stations 2DU and ZOO FM have all been named respondents in the lawsuit which will be heard in Sydney on April 3.
Mr Caralis owns more than 30 radio stations in regional NSW and Queensland, including 2MG at Mudgee, 2PK at Parkes and 2EL at Orange.
At this stage only the four of Mr Caralis’ stations are being sued for alleged software piracy, although Adobe and Microsoft have also lodged a separate case against 25 of Mr Caralis’ other stations.
Industry association Business Software Alliance (BSA), acting on behalf of the two software giants, launched an investigation after receiving information that unlicensed copies of their software were being used in radio stations at Young and Dubbo.
A statement of claim was filed with the Federal Court on Monday where it is alleged 2LF and Roccy FM installed at least four unlicensed copies of the Windows operating system.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that 2DU and ZOO FM installed a total of 21 unlicensed copies of Microsoft Office and 22 unlicensed versions of Windows.
Adobe also alleges the two Dubbo stations authorised the installation of at least seven unlicensed versions of Adobe programs.
“Federal Court of Australia proceedings have now begun alleging the super network stations in Dubbo and Young used unlicensed copies of Microsoft and Adobe software,” attorney at Microsoft and BSA chair, Clayton Noble said in an interview with Fairfax Media’s Daily Liberal in Dubbo.
“The documents filed also claim that Mr Caralis authorised the infringements,” he said.
“Under Australian copyright law, a person that authorises infringement of copyright is also liable for that infringement.”
The companies are seeking to restrain the use of allegedly unlicensed software and are seeking damages or an amount of profits.
They also want the allegedly unlicensed software destroyed.
Mr Noble said BSA, Microsoft and Adobe were still investigating the matter.
“A court order application has been lodged asking the court to demand that other stations within the super network produce documents about the status of their software use and whether that software is licensed,” Mr Noble told Dubbo’s Daily Liberal newspaper.
The Young Witness contacted 2LF and Roccy FM station manager Mellissa Hines for a response but Ms Hines referred the matter to Mr Caralis.
Mr Caralis had not responded to by time of publication.
