iText contains some visible fingerprints (for example, the manufacturer’s line), as well as invisible fingerprints (which we obviously do not share).
On a regular basis, we open PDF files created using iText, but which cannot be associated with a paying customer. In this case, we refer to the person distributing the PDF.
Example 1: A major German publisher distributed PDF files created using iText. We contacted this company in a friendly manner and explained that we wanted to talk with them about using iText. At first they were surprised: they did not know that they were using iText. So, we showed them the PDF files, and, as it turned out, the company hired an external integrator to create the application. This integrator implemented iText without buying a license. The first thing that happened was funny: suddenly the manufacturer’s line was removed (which is not allowed), but we can still prove that iText was used (due to secret fingerprints). Therefore, we explained to the publisher that we did not really appreciate it. As a result, the integrator was offered a choice: either they executed and bought a commercial license, or the publisher never hired them again.
The moral of this story: it is very bad for your reputation and for your business if you are disclosed as a fraud. If we go to your client, and it turns out that you fooled him, you risk losing this client.
Example 2: A mid-sized company used iText and other open source software without worrying about licenses. At some point, this company was to be acquired. Obviously, the acquiring company went through a process of due diligence and found a mess. A medium-sized company contacted us because they needed a commercial license as soon as possible ... In at least one case, the company did not receive an acquisition because of the mess.
The moral of this story is: do the right thing. If you make money using our software, it is fair that you pay for using our software.
Example three: a developer at a company using iText informed us that his management deliberately chose to use iText in an illegal way. He provided us with evidence, and we contacted the legal department of this company. No legal action was required: the company acquired a license and is now a very happy client, because now they really benefit from the commercial relations that we have with them.
The moral of this story: in most cases, you do not even need to go to court. When faced with evidence, it’s cheaper to come to an agreement to risk losing the case (and your reputation).
These three stories have one thing in common: honor .
I came close to the court a couple of times, but in the end the problem was solved by itself, because the people involved realized that no lawsuit was brought in their interests.
Also: it is counterproductive to sue someone who has to pay a license. It is much better to create a win-win situation where a company using iText benefits from its business relationship with iText Group. Especially now, when we win awards (for example, BelCham Award and Fast 50 Award ), good PR is very important. The more the iText Group grows, the more companies realize that it is important to work with us. The more companies realize this, the more we grow; -)
Hope this helps. I also hope this explains why I can be very harsh on people with nicknames like InvisibleGuy . In most cases, there is a reason people want to remain anonymous, and this reason is not always good.
Update: Our website keeps track of usage statistics. In many cases, we can see which companies visit our site; in some cases, we can even track people. A couple of years ago, the company denied that they use iText, but they visited http://itextpdf.com 200 times a year! Faced with these numbers, they admitted that they lied to us. When we look at the global scale, we see that India is No. 2 and China is No. 4, but both companies have a very low sales rating. That's why we have now opened an office in Asia . One of our salespeople is now visiting India, Malaysia and other countries in the East to talk with companies about using iText.