Delhi High Court Grants Dassault Relief Against SOLIDWORKS Piracy, Awards Rs 64.7 Lakh

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation, passing a permanent injunction against the unauthorised use of its “SOLIDWORKS” software, a computer-aided design (CAD) program used to create 3D models and engineering designs, and holding that a group of businesses and individuals accused of using pirated copies failed to contest the case.

By its order dated April 8, 2026, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela held that the company had established copyright infringement through its “Phone Home” security technology, which recorded 474 instances of unauthorised use across seven computer systems linked to those entities.

The company submitted that its built-in “Phone Home” mechanism captured identifying data, including MAC and IP addresses, showing that the software was being used without valid licences.

The court accepted the company's case that the software is protected as a “literary work” under the Copyright Act and pointed out that those accused of using pirated copies chose to remain silent, neither filing a defence nor questioning the company's witnesses.

With no challenge to the claims placed on record, the Court said the allegations would be treated as admitted, applying the principle under Order VIII Rule 10 CPC that allows this when a party fails to respond.

It also found that the technical data, particularly the unique MAC addresses captured by the software, clearly showed that the program was being used without a valid licence.

On damages, the Court held that the loss was liable to be calculated based on the current market value of genuine licences corresponding to the number of unauthorised installations.

The Court restrained those involved from copying, installing, or using any pirated versions of the SOLIDWORKS software and directed that all infringing copies be handed over.

It also awarded Rs 64,79,941 towards damages and costs, along with Rs 3,21,013 towards legal expenses, to be paid jointly by those found responsible.