Business Software Alliance

Software makers asked Congress to make it easier to track down people who copy their products over the Internet, joining the entertainment industry in an effort to stiffen copyright protections. The Business Software Alliance, a lobbying group whose members include Microsoft Corp. and Apple Computer Inc., said Internet service providers like America Online should be required to reveal the names of customers who may be distributing copyright software through "peer to peer" networks such as Kazaa.

Distancing themselves from Hollywood, major record companies Tuesday announced an agreement with two high-tech trade groups that urges the government not to require anti-piracy technology in computers and other devices. The Recording Industry Assn.

An alliance of computer software manufacturers is seeking $300,000 from the Los Angeles Unifed School District to settle the trade group's allegations that a Woodland Hills school violated federal copyright laws by illegally copying software programs. Although school officials have denied wrongdoing, the school board is prepared to settle with the computer industry giants and to establish a team of technicians to seek out and replace pirated software, at a cost of about $5 million.

Saudi Arabia Issues Warning on Pirated Software: The kingdom has warned more than 200 private companies not to use pirated software in its latest crackdown to enforce copyright laws, industry sources said. The misuse of copyrights, trademarks and patents has become a crucial issue as Saudi Arabia has sought to join the World Trade Organization. The WTO is tentatively scheduled to meet in November and will discuss Saudi intellectual property rights enforcement and other issues.