Other LanguagesEmbraer, world’s 4th largest aircraft manufacturer, now in full compliance
OLYMPIA—Attorney General Bob Ferguson today shared news that Microsoft recently used a new Washington unfair competition law to resolve a dispute over software licensing issues with the world’s fourth largest aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.
The
Attorney General’s Office helped pass the new law aimed at protecting
both IP and fair competition in Washington and exchanged several letters
with the Brazilian company in an effort to resolve this matter before
taking more formal steps.
“I’m pleased to learn the dispute
relating to the use of Microsoft software is resolved and that Embraer
is now in full compliance with the law,” Ferguson said. “Our office is
committed to protecting Washington businesses and consumers and ensuring
that powerful interests that don’t play by the rules are held
accountable. Any company wishing to do business in our state must
compete fairly.”
Foreign manufacturers are increasingly engaging
in IT theft and software piracy to unfairly compete against U.S.
manufacturers, according to the Business Software Alliance (BSA). The
alliance estimates the total commercial value of IT theft at $63.4
billion.
“When competitors use stolen software, it hurts the
ability of law-abiding businesses that pay fair value for their software
to compete,” Ferguson said. “This theft also robs the technology
sector—one of the key drivers of economic growth in our country—of its
work.”
According to BSA, if the U.S. can reduce piracy by just 10
percent in two years, it would add $52 billion in Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), $8 billion in U.S. tax revenue, and 25,431 new jobs
across the U.S.
In 2011, Washington became the first state in the nation to enact a Stolen or Misappropriated Information Technology Law, making it unlawful to offer for sale in Washington a product manufactured using stolen or misappropriated technology.
-30-
Contacts:
Janelle Guthrie, Communications Director, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, 360-586-0725