In this instance, Kensoft Infotech had developed a software called KEN-HFS, their enterprise-level housing finance software. Kensoft alleges that Sundaram, who was their client and a licensed user of their software, employed reverse engineering techniques to extract the source code of their software and insert external source code, without their authorisation. On the other hand, Sundaram Infotech MD, Nitin Palany argued that they owned the software that Kensoft claimed to have developed themselves.
The significance of this case arises from the fact that there is no clear Indian precedent in data theft cases such as this. Small businesses are becoming increasingly concerned that their intellectual property is easily infringed by the big players, and they are desperate for some judicial protection in such cases. With the cyber crime police becoming more aware of the technicalities surrounding such issues, and with technical guidance being received from the likes of NASSCOM, there is sure to be a better sense of understaning amongst the police officials in handling such cases.