FIRMS in Lancashire are being warned of a clampdown on computer software piracy which could land them with bills for thousands of pounds.

The Business Software Alliance - set up by firms including Mircosoft and Apple to combat illegal use of copyright software - has written to almost 20,000 firms.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the problem and give advice on how to avoid the penalties.

"Small businesses should not underestimate the dangers of using illegal software both to themselves and the economy as a whole," said Mike Newton, campaign relations manager for the BSA. "Buying cheap, pirated software may seem an attractive option particularly when you have gone other economic pressures on your mind but it the long run apart from it being a crme, it can be a very expensive risk to take."

Last year the BSA took legal action against 26 firms in the North West who ended up paying settlements of up to £20,000.

Buying bootleg or pirated software means firms are not entitled to help desk support or technical manuals when things go wrong.

Illegal software may also carry computer viruses which can lead to expensive failures of computer systems.

"We would strongly advise small businesses to take steps immediately to assess their current licensing situation to protect themselves," said Mr Newton.

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