Hi all,
We've gotten through communication from Solidworks/CJCH about usage of their software without a license. Small business, you could say that their claim is valid.
They're asking 8k in damages, or 7.5k for a license. We have engaged with the mediator, and run through financing options and discussed paying for a license - as we had no idea these forums existed.
We haven't admitted that we've done this at any point.
We're relatively unable to afford 7.5k, but they don't seem to care.
Do we ignore as everyone else suggests in this forums, even though we've engaged with them up until this point, or is it too late?
I've read many many threads - but I've never seen someone categorically say that they've never been followed up since - I've never seen someone come back 2 years later and post "oh yeah in the end it was fine, they didnt follow up".
We've spoken to lawyers about this and they've said that they could potentially go through to criminal court if we for example folded the company or tried to sell on our assets. They suggest not ignoring as the damages & legal fees would be significantly higher than 7.5k should they choose to follow through.
Help is appreciated.