Oracle Scores The Biggest Software Piracy Verdict Ever

$1.3 billion is now the largest amount ever awarded to a plaintiff in a software piracy case, and the 23rd largest jury verdict.  The plaintiff was Oracle and the defendant was SAP, a leader in business management software.  Oracle claimed that SAP stole thousands of copies of Oracle software for over three years and then resold that software and related services to Oracle’s own customers.  SAP admitted guilt and liability, but not to the tune of $1.3 billion.  Oracle claimed that damages exceeded $1.3 billion.  Oracle wanted $1.7 billion while SAP believed it only owed $40 million.  The United States Federal Court thought that Oracle was closer in its estimation.  The battle is not over, but expect a big pay day for Oracle at some point in the future.