Peterson Receives One of Nation's Toughest Sentences for Illegally Selling Software Developed by Autodesk and Others

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) announced today that Nathan Peterson, a 26-year-old California resident and owner and operator of iBackups, Inc., was sentenced on September 8, 2006, to seven years and three months in federal prison, and required to pay $5.4 million in restitution after pleading guilty to two counts of criminal copyright infringement for illegally copying and selling pirated software worth from approximately $7 million to $20 million. Peterson profited from selling pirated software, including applications developed legitimately by Autodesk, Adobe, Macromedia and Symantec. Peterson must also forfeit any assets related to the infringement offenses as well as any assets traceable to proceeds from the offenses. The sentencing occurred in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

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"Peterson has said that most of the software was sold to individual consumers, although he did sell to some companies and to at least one school district," said Sandy Boulton, director of License Compliance at Autodesk. "We commend the FBI and Department of Justice for their efforts and hope that consumers will purchase products direct from the developers or from their local authorized resellers to eliminate the risks of engaging in illegal activities."

Background on the Case

In 2003, the Software Information Industry Association (SIIA) first alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to suspected software piracy in this case. iBackups was selling pirated copies of software over the Internet claiming that they were "backup copies" to be used by software owners in the event of system crashes. The FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) permanently shut down the website Peterson was hosting to sell the unauthorized software. On December 13, 2005, Peterson reached his plea agreement with Judge T.S. Ellis in Virginia and was released on his own recognizance.

Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material is investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the Department of Justice. Individuals who willfully infringe copyright by distributing or reproducing infringing material risk criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. - 2319. First-time offenders convicted of a felony violation of copyright laws face up to five years in federal prison, plus the payment of restitution, forfeiture, and fines.

The Business Software Alliance (BSA), the organization representing some of the world's leading software developers including Autodesk, provided assistance to the investigation. The BSA recently launched a new website (www.bsacybersafety.com/fraud) designed to raise awareness about online fraud while encouraging individuals to submit their own stories of how they were "duped" into purchasing pirated software online.

Autodesk's License Compliance Program

As part of its License Compliance Program, Autodesk educates customers and the general public about software piracy and its damaging effects on the economy and product innovation-while seeking legal recourse against copyright infringers. Customers are offered toolkits and information to help them implement sound software management policies. To find out where legal trade ends and software piracy begins or to anonymously report suspected software theft, visit www.autodesk.com/piracy or call Autodesk's License Compliance Hotline at 1-800-NO COPIES. To find a local authorized Autodesk reseller, visit www.autodesk.com/reseller.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading 2D and 3D software company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment, and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage, become more productive, streamline project efficiency and maximize profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Contact: Amal Nichols, 925-736-2433
Email: amalnich@comcast.net

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. 09/22/2006

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