A microelectronic business in Carson City was one of 19 companies nationwide to settle more than $2 million combined in software-piracy claims.
Hytek Microsystems Inc. paid $76,000 to the Business Software Alliance for settling claims that it had unlicensed copies of Adobe and Microsoft software programs installed on office computers.
Hytek is an advanced microelectronics and contract microcircuit assembly company at 400 Hot Springs Road. It is a publicly traded company listed as HTEK. The company is a subsidiary of Natel Engineering, of Chatsworth, Calif. Company officials could not be reached for comment.
Hytek's custom products and standard circuits are used in medical, communication and satellite systems, oil exploration equipment, military and industrial electronics, according to Hoovers.com.
The Business Software Alliance is a watchdog group representing the nation's leading software manufacturers.
It announced Tuesday that settlements were made with 19 companies nationwide.
In addition to making payments, each company agreed to delete any unlicensed copies, purchase any needed replacement software and strengthen its software management practices.
"We hope that these announcements will encourage other businesses to re-examine and update, if necessary, their software management systems," said Jenny Blank, director of enforcement for the BSA, in a news release.
"Businesses should be certain that using fully licensed software is part of their corporate responsibility checklist."
To encourage people to report piracy, the alliance offers rewards of up to $200,000 for qualifying software-piracy reports.
Go to www.nopiracy.com, or call 1-888 NO PIRACY to file a report.