Fujitsu-Siemens to pay per-machine fee for piracy
German court orders company to pay $16 per machine as part of a "tax on piracy."
The judge ruled in December that because the company's PCs could be used for copying material--and denying rights holders their due royalties--Fujitsu-Siemens should make it up by way of a contribution of about $16 (12 euros) per machine.
Similar levies are already in place on other media that can be used for copying, including blank videos and audio tapes, in other European countries.
The case was brought by VG Wort, a German copyright holders association, in 2001. The organization had been demanding a levy of about $40, although it agreed to the court's revised penalty.
VG Wort is expected to bring similar suits against other computer manufacturers in the country.
Fujitsu-Siemens did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jo Best of Silicon.com reported from London.