Not heard anything further from them. Now that we’re getting some funding, we are looking to rent the software for a 12 month period. They do rent for 12 months for like £2.5k OR license and 2 year for £8k. If know going to be using them long long term then works out cheaper after few years but since I’m a start up I’m opting for the 12 month rental on first instance. Wondering if that Maria blacklisted my startup from getting Solidworks unless pay them the ridiculous fine we dont deserve. Will see when apply for one next month. Will keep you updated. DinoDave

Will keep you updated as this thing develops and let you know what they say next. Donated enough for a couple of pints for now but will send 10x this as this things fizzles out with them and I'm confident its the end. Time will tell...

Thanks so much - I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. When I googled her name, I seen her title pop up and just assumed she was as legit as she said and believed everything she said. In hindsight I should have done more digging and found this forum. I will ignore and let them be. I will also take your advice and see what other CAD softwares are out there because now when I see the solidworks logo or hear people talking about it, it just instantly gives me a horrid feeling inside. Been through months of hell and sleepless nights thinking about how I was going to pay this debt of £15k and how unfair I felt the whole situation was, given I genuinely didnt know any better and was trying to do something good for the planet. I offered loads of ways to resolve which were above and beyond but she just simply wanted the money no matter what. Shame as used Solidworks in a previous job so know how to navigate it and do think its a cool software. Didn't realise it was as pricey as it is but now that I can close this chapter I can look forward and focus on the getting the business going again. Can't thank you both enough for taking the time to help a guy out. I know the internets the internet but if ever in Scotland then dm as I would like to buy you a beer... or a hundred! Good karma coming your way for sure. Thanks again. I will keep you updated on how things escalate from here. Fingers crossed this is the end of it.

Dx100UK and BankFodder - thank you so much for this! I felt a glimmer of hope when found these threads and feeling like there is light at the end of the tunnel. The mediators name is Maria Vinces. I thought once I talked to her to explain the situation she would understand and realize we are not trading, not designed any real products using the software and that I don't even have a fraction of what theyre asking for in own personal account let alone the company one. The second that I was told we had an unlicensed version I took it off there and then. At first I asked how much to buy a license and she said would be £7.5k which then changed to £10k and then to £15k after she said she made "a mistake" on the pricing as I needed 2 licenses. Based on her first value I entered £7.5k as the amount required for our loan but after she changed it to £15k I cancelled the loan and tried to do another application but the window closed for that particular low interest business loan. God I wished I found this forum before then. I then spoke with an IT guy at my work who said to hold off until I know if its me personally or the registered limited company they are making the claim against. He said that they could prove its my laptop no issues since same laptop was used for the original free version and that's probably where they got my details from. I don't even have a VPN because quite frankly I've never felt I needed one as not doing anything dodgy online and its just an extra subscription expense a month. Because of this I feel they think the case against me is clear but the reality is that I didn't know the copy I was using was not authorized and I've not gained anything financially from having had it. Couple of last questions 1. Do you know if its me they will try to take to court or the registered limited company? (if they decide to take it to court). 2. Has there been any cases you've heard of where they have taken folk to court in the UK? 3. Will I get debt collectors round at my door or just letters? Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I'm not making the situation worse if I ignore them.

I really need some help. I wish I'd read this forum before I responded. Really need help - I feel scared and helpless. For some background me and my friends wanted to make some cool products from waste scrap materials that actually looked cool - i.e. metal cabinets from scrap metal, tables from recovered wood, tv stands from bike parts etc. For this we used a free trial of Solidworks to see how the products would look. I then decided to register a company and apply for a small government grant to work with a local university (UK) to help with the designs and see if a business like this would be actually feasible. we only had one laptop of our own that was capable of running CAD and one of the students downloaded a free version of solidworks on it which we all used - whether he knew it was a pirated copy or not we dont know (he's since moved and we have no contact) but either way it appears it was i got an email several months later regarding MISUSE OF UNAUTHORIZED COPY OF SOLIDWORKS. I assumed the copy was an extra one from the university but apparently you cant do this. When I read the email I removed all versions of the software and replied to the email saying "sorry didnt know there was an illegal copy being used on this laptop - have removed it and it wont happen again". Their reply email said they seek £30k damages but a call with a mediator may help us find a resolution. I reluctantly called, explained the situation said didnt know and that all software was removed. They didn't seem to care said that they'd reduce the damages £15k. Said I must buy 2 premium licenses. I explained I cant pay this, surely it cant be my fault if someone else uses my laptop, they said didnt matter as it was issued through my registered companies name and I am the only named person on the company. I have been trying to get a business loan to pay for this, as I was petrified of going to court and being sued £15k or more. also said they would postpone the fine until I got the money, I was unable in the end to get the loan. They are now threatening legal proceedings if I don't pay up. I've never been in a situation like this before and don't have anyone I can turn to for advice or who can help me pay for court fees if it comes to that. As such I even put my car up for sale encase I need the money for court fees should they take me to court. I've been riddled with anxiety since getting the emails and calls from the mediator. My doctor has prescribed me diazepam to help me sleep as its on my mind 24/7 as been worrying about going to court, having to pay this insane £15k fine and not being able to pay my bills. I would like to get this company off the ground as its for a good cause and when we get funding or a loan I will be buying a copy of their software but right now we are just not there yet. What can they do and what should I do? Please help as this has been eating me up and I feel ill. Having read through loads and loads of the threads I can't see a case exactly like this hence thought would post it and thought it might help anyone else who's in this sticky not so good situation.