Oracle Takes Legal Action on Unlicensed Java Use: Key Takeaways

Oracle Takes Legal Action on Unlicensed Java Use

Several clients facing legal action from Oracle for using unlicensed Java have recently approached Redress Compliance. Oracle has pursued retroactive licensing fees based solely on IP logs and download data without conducting a formal audit. In some cases, even if the Java installations were later removed, Oracle still demands payment for retroactive licensing dating back to 2019.

The risks are clear: if your organization downloaded licensable Java in 2019, Oracle has likely logged this information, including device details and IP addresses. Customers are now facing demands for both retroactive fees and forward-looking licensing commitments.

If you receive communication from Oracle about Java, treat it seriously like a soft audit. Create a strategy to address retroactive claims and, if possible, replace Oracle Java with non-licensable alternatives.

Redress Compliance can help by:

• Identifying which versions of Java require licensing.
• Assisting in finding alternatives to Oracle's Java.
• Help you defend your organization in both formal and soft audits.
• We provide a written guarantee against retroactive fees backed by a promise to reimburse our fees if these claims proceed.

For more detailed information and guidance, read the full newsletter.