SAN RAFAEL, Calif., March 23, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) announced that Daniel Gary Woolsey, a Petaluma, California resident, is being sentenced today in a Santa Rosa, California court after pleading "no contest" last month to one felony count of selling pirated copies of Autodesk's AutoCAD(R) software on the Internet in violation of California Penal Code section 350. Three other counts of selling Autodesk(R) software and one count of selling Adobe Systems' PhotoShop(R) software were dropped as part of a plea bargain agreement. As part of a continuing effort to enforce Autodesk's rights under copyright law, the company worked with the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force (NC3TF) on the investigation.

"This case should be a wake up call to copyright violators that they can face serious consequences. Autodesk will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies such as the NC3TF and the District Attorney's office to protect our valuable intellectual property and to fight software piracy," said Sandy Boulton, director of Piracy Prevention at Autodesk.

"Mr. Woolsey sold pirated copies of the software online and could now be sentenced to a year in jail under the terms of the plea agreement," said Stephen Passalacqua, Sonoma County District Attorney. "Although he pled 'no contest' to only one count, Judge Raima Ballinger may consider the other four counts in today's sentencing."

Software piracy cost the United States $6.5 billion in retail sales of PC software applications which affects jobs, wages, and tax revenues. In California, those convicted of software piracy face a maximum sentence of three years in the state prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

As part of its Piracy Prevention Program, Autodesk educates customers and the general public about software piracy and its damaging effects on the economy and product innovation -- while aggressively 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 Piracy Prevention Hotline at 1-800-NO COPIES.

About the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force

The task force was formed in 2000, through the collaborative efforts of 13 area counties. It is one of the five high tech task forces that cover California. The NC3TF is staffed by investigators from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies who have received specialized training in the investigation of high technology crime, including software piracy.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, 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 by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits. Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

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

CONTACT: Nicole Pack of Autodesk, +1-415-507-6282, or nicole.pack@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Nicole Pack of Autodesk, +1-415-507-6282, or nicole.pack@autodesk.com