WESTCOTT PLASMA COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

In June of 2017, PlasmaCAM, Inc. filed a lawsuit against Westcott Plasma and its agents for providing illegal copies of PlasmaCAM® software with Westcott machines. PlasmaCAM’s software was altered to insert Westcott's icon and product name "ProSeries" in place of PlasmaCAM's icon, name, and copyright information. Westcott’s Chief Technology Officer admitted to altering the software for Westcott and also admitted that he hacked PlasmaCAM's newer DesignEdge® software to remove copyright protection and then sold copies of the counterfeit software to several PlasmaCAM and Westcott customers.

The lawsuit required extra time and expense, since Westcott’s owner Ryan Westcott first denied the existence of the infringing software and later denied under oath that he had any knowledge of infringement. Even after much evidence to the contrary was discovered, Ryan Westcott refused to admit his involvement. The parties recently settled, with the defendants each agreeing to cease infringement and make payments for damages and legal costs to PlasmaCAM over the next several years.

PlasmaCAM has a reputation for outstanding software in the CNC plasma cutting industry and reports having to step up its efforts to defend against increasing theft. "We don't object to competition," says PlasmaCAM, "but we can't let competitors steal our software in order to make their machines run better. It's not fair to our customers who pay for the software."

Copyright infringement is a violation of civil law, subjecting infringers to actual damages, statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringement, and attorney fees. Copyright infringement is also a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

PlasmaCAM says it has learned of other competitors who are directly or indirectly exploiting illegal copies of PlasmaCAM software for financial gain and promises to trace and prosecute each person involved. Machine users who suspect their software is not legitimate are encouraged to contact PlasmaCAM. "Just call us to purchase a licensed copy," says PlasmaCAM to anyone who likes their software and wants to use it. "We're glad to help you no matter what machine you're running."