The letters are not threatening in nature: Umang Bedi, managing director, Adobe South Asia

The release also states, “It is given in the letters that the reply must be submitted within seven days otherwise they will take drastic action. The letters are even sent to the printers who are not using computers and some of these are not having computers for the past 13 years. These warnings are being sent to the packaging printers where no software/computer is being used. Almost each and every printer is receiving these threatening letters.”

In response to the claims made by OPA, Umang Bedi, managing director, Adobe South Asia told PrintWeek India, “Adobe advocates the use of appropriate intellectual property protection for its world-leading innovative technology. As is standard industry practice worldwide, from time to time we ask for proof of ownership and usage of software licenses from customers who use our software in their business. As is common in the industry, a letter seeking clarification about this was sent to members of the Offset Printers Association recently. The letter asks for compliance information to be returned in seven days but nowhere in this letter are threats of any kind made.

Software piracy and intellectual property infringement continues to be a major challenge for India, with significant economic impact to the nation. By implementing software asset management systems and protocols, business can protect themselves from the harmful impact of software piracy and enjoy the benefits provided by genuine software.”

On being asked about the allegation that letters were also issued to those who do not use Adobe software, he said, “If indeed organisations which do not use the Adobe software have received the letter they need not respond to the letter. They can respond to the letter and voice their concerns.”

Adobe shared that they have issued similar letters to North India Printers Association and held many road-shows and awareness programmes for legitimate and licensed software use in association with various printers associations like AIFMP. “According to a report, adoption of licensed software use can generate $730-800bn revenue. Such revenues can help in improving the macro-economic situation too,” Bedi added. 

Anand Limaye, executive committee member and ex-president, Mumbai Mudrak Sangh, said, “ We encourage our members to ensure they are using genuine software, which benefits not only their business efficiency and security, but also helps the national economy. We work closely with industry leading companies.”

“Like Adobe to educate our members on the perils of software piracy. We also collaborate to train members on the latest print industry technologies, and we have worked with Adobe and other companies to negotiate other exclusive benefits for our members, such as discount pricing, free seminars and resources to help grow their businesses,” he added.