Autodesk Audit Settlement Process
Once Autodesk finishes its audit, the process shifts from investigation to resolution. You’ll receive a findings report, then enter a resolution phase: internal review, negotiation, and finally a settlement agreement to close the case.
This guide breaks down each step, typical timelines, and tips so you can handle the settlement process calmly and confidently.
Read our comprehensive guide to Autodesk Audit Settlement & Aftermath: How to Navigate Post-Audit Outcomes.
From Audit Report to Resolution
After an audit, there’s a clear path from the findings to the final resolution. On average, the settlement phase takes around 4–10 weeks (about 1–3 months) from the day you get the audit report to the day everything is settled.
Here are the typical stages:
| Stage | What Happens | Approx. Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Audit Findings Delivered | Autodesk sends a formal audit report listing any license shortfalls by product, with a cost breakdown (often at full list price plus backdated fees). This is their initial claim, not the final outcome. | Day 0 (starting point) |
| 2. Internal Review & Planning | Your team reviews the report. IT verifies installations and flags errors; Procurement/Finance assesses the exposure and budget impact; Legal checks contracts and liability. Together, you form a plan to respond and negotiate. | ~1–2 weeks |
| 3. Negotiation Rounds | You engage Autodesk with a counter-proposal or questions. There may be a few rounds of back-and-forth until both sides agree on license counts and costs. Keep communication prompt and fact-based. | ~2–6 weeks (multiple rounds) |
| 4. Settlement Agreement Finalized | Autodesk drafts a Settlement Agreement once terms are agreed. Your team reviews it (especially any legal clauses) and an authorized executive signs it to formalize the deal. | ~1 week (for review & signing) |
| 5. Payment & Compliance | You fulfill the settlement: purchase the agreed licenses (or pay any fee) and complete any required compliance steps (like uninstalling unlicensed copies). Autodesk then closes the audit and confirms you’re in compliance. | Immediately after signing |
Note: Delays can occur if Autodesk needs extra approvals (for discounts, etc.) or if your company needs more time for internal review. The key is to stay organized and keep communication open so things move forward smoothly.
The Audit Findings Report
The first thing you’ll receive is the audit findings report. It’s usually a spreadsheet or PDF detailing your software usage vs. licenses.
For each Autodesk product, it shows how many installations were found, how many licenses you have, and the “shortfall” (any gap). The report then suggests a “true-up” purchase to cover that gap, typically priced at full retail cost.
It may also include retroactive fees for support or maintenance you missed out on by using unlicensed copies.
Don’t be alarmed by the initial numbers – this report is Autodesk’s opening bid, not the final word. It’s common to find errors or overcounts. Maybe some installations are outdated, or trial versions were counted as full installs.
Pro Tip: Scrutinize the findings closely. Make note of anything that looks wrong or inflated (e.g., an old computer still listed as having AutoCAD). These will be your talking points to challenge and reduce the claim.
Initial Demand vs. Final Settlement
Autodesk’s first demand number is usually much higher than what you’ll end up paying. They often calculate everything at full list price and assume worst-case scenarios (like adding years of maintenance fees and even penalties).
The good news: Autodesk fully expects you to negotiate. It’s routine to see the final settlement come in substantially lower after you push back with corrections and fair requests.
In fact, settlements commonly end up 20–40% lower than the initial quote once errors are fixed and discounts are applied.
For example, one company’s audit bill dropped by nearly half after they proved some “unlicensed” installations were already covered and negotiated standard discounts on the rest. The lesson is, respond with facts and a clear counteroffer – don’t just accept the sticker price.
Building Your Internal Response Team
Handling an audit settlement is easier with a team effort. Assemble a small cross-functional team to cover all bases:
- IT: Confirms what’s actually installed and gathers evidence for any discrepancies.
- Procurement/Finance: Determines what you actually need to buy and what a fair price should be. They’ll craft a counteroffer that fits your budget and aim for any available discounts.
- Legal: Reviews the settlement terms for any problematic language. They make sure you don’t agree to overly restrictive clauses (like aggressive future audit rights) and that the agreement protects your company’s interests.
When these groups collaborate, your response to Autodesk will be stronger and quicker. You’ll catch errors, push for better pricing, and avoid signing something you shouldn’t.
Pro Tip: Unified internal communication is key. A coordinated team presents a confident front, which can encourage Autodesk to be more flexible and cooperative.
Negotiation Rounds — What to Expect
Negotiating the settlement usually takes a few rounds of dialogue. Here’s what typically happens:
- Your Counteroffer: After analyzing the findings, you’ll send Autodesk your response. This might be a detailed email or call where you correct any mistakes (for example, “these 5 installations were actually removed last year”) and propose a settlement plan (such as purchasing only the licenses you truly need).
- Autodesk’s Response: Autodesk will come back with an adjustment. They may agree on some points and hold firm on others. There could be a bit of back-and-forth as you zero in on an agreement. Stay professional and stick to the facts. Each time, the gap should narrow.
Aim to document key points of each round in writing (email is fine) so everyone is on the same page. And remember, you don’t have to rush or accept a term you’re not ready for. It’s okay to say, “We’ll review your updated offer and get back to you tomorrow.”
Read our guide to negotiations, Negotiating Autodesk Audit Penalties: How to Reduce the Cost of Compliance.
Common Pain Points and How to Handle Them
During the settlement process, a few issues often pop up. Here are the common pain points and how to address them:
- High Costs (MSRP & Back-Charges): Autodesk’s initial figures might assume you pay full price for everything, plus backdated support fees or penalties, resulting in a hefty sum. How to handle: Negotiate those costs down. Ask for your usual customer discount on licenses (e.g., 15–20% off rather than paying full MSRP). Question any retroactive maintenance fees, since you weren’t using their support during that time. Autodesk will often reduce or waive added fees once you make a reasonable case.
- Tough Contract Terms: The settlement agreement might introduce new terms, like giving Autodesk more audit rights in the future or requiring all future license purchases to be direct. How to handle: Don’t accept onerous terms as-is. Propose removing or rephrasing such clauses. Ofte,n Autodesk will agree to reasonable changes if you push back, especially if a term goes beyond what’s in your original license agreements.
Timeframe & Deadlines
Autodesk may set tight deadlines (for example, asking for a response within 15 days). Treat these deadlines as motivators, not ultimatums.
The key is to keep communicating. If you need more time, send a note before the deadline: “We’re working on our analysis and will respond by [new date].”
In reality, Autodesk is usually willing to extend timelines as long as you’re actively engaging. They prefer a cooperative resolution over having to escalate the issue. Just avoid going silent — lack of communication is the only sure way to make an audit situation worse.
Finalizing the Agreement
Once you and Autodesk agree on the numbers and terms in principle, Autodesk will issue a written Settlement Agreement. This formal document will outline what you’ve agreed to buy or pay for and any terms you must adhere to.
Review it carefully (especially the fine print). Confirm the amounts and product details are correct and that any negotiated adjustments to terms (like removing that extra audit clause) are reflected. Make sure it includes a release of liability for the past unlicensed use you are covering.
Have a duly authorized person at your company sign the agreement (commonly a C-level executive or someone in your legal/finance leadership). Once Autodesk signs as well, the settlement is officially in place.
Payment & Compliance Actions
Once the agreement is signed, your final step is to carry it out. Typically, this means purchasing the agreed licenses.
If a penalty fee was part of the deal (for instance, for software you chose to remove instead of the license), you’ll pay that as well. After you’ve done that and cleaned up any unlicensed installations, Autodesk will confirm the audit is closed. Be sure to save that confirmation and the paperwork for your records.
FAQs
Q: Can we split the settlement payment into installments?
A: Autodesk generally expects a single payment. Only in very large cases have they allowed splitting it into a couple of installments – and even then, it’s rare.
Q: It’s been a while since we replied to the auditor, and we haven’t heard anything. Should we follow up?
A: Yes, a polite follow-up is a good idea. No news isn’t necessarily bad – Autodesk might be waiting on internal approvals. It’s fine to send a friendly email to check in and keep things moving.
Q: Who needs to sign the settlement agreement for it to be official?
A: It should be signed by someone with authority to bind your company – typically a C-level executive (like a CFO or CIO). Autodesk will have its representative sign as well, and then it becomes a binding contract.
Remember: The audit settlement process may feel stressful, but it’s far more structured and negotiable than it seems. Stay calm, stay organized, and work through it step by step. Soon you’ll have the audit resolved – and be better prepared to prevent future licensing issues.
Read about our Autodesk Audit defense service.
