Complaint Review: SIIA

   We bought a brand-new Adobe software at an estate sale, including the original proof of purchase receipt.  As with the other items, we listed them for sale on eBay.  To our surprise, within a day of listing it, the auction canceled our listing, alleging that it was 'unauthorized' or 'illegal' software, and threatening that if it happened again, we could lose our eBay listing priveleges.  Seems the SIIA bullied eBay to remove our listing, stating that 'they' didn't give us authorization to sell the product.

   This is new in the American experience.  Being accused, tried, convicted & sentenced without even inspecting the product or being given a chance to prove innocence!  That a company should be allowed to put into jeopardy our means of supporting ourselves without ever proving that we did wrong is not only illegal itself, but morally repugnant!  But, wait!  The best part comes next!

   So, the product did not sell and those who bid on it received a notice that we were criminals.  Now, we receive a notice in the mail from the SIIA, Software & Information Industry Association, aka, the Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty law firm.   In the letter, they blabber on about 'copyright infringements' and how we are liable for damages to THEM because of listing the software on eBay.  They attempt to extort $375 from us, as if somehow we owe them this for even having the thought of listing Adobe software without asking them first.  They tell of how if we do not geech-up the money within 5 days, we will face further legal ramifications. The tight deadline ensures that we tremble in our shoes and not have the time to think, talk with our friends, search the RipOffReport, or consult an attorney.

   Their letter ended up in the circular file and any subsequent letters from them will meet the same fate.  Unless you are involved in mass piracy of software, if you receive a letter frm the SIIA, don't dignify it by answering.  And, PLEASE! Don't send them any 'protection money'.  In spite of their threats, they will NOT spend thousands of dollars of attorney time to prosecute you for listing a piece of software that did not sell and they cannot prove was illegal!  Further, if you are the victim of the SIIA in this manner, let us band together and get our own attorney and file a class action suit against this monster.