I was an early author in SUNY's foray into Indian/Hindu studies. (My 1989 book on karma was, I believe, the first book published in their Series in Hindu Studies.) I seem to recall a conversation from long ago that indicated that, at some point in the book's publishing history, SUNY reserved the right to sell the publishing rights in India. Indeed, the year after its US publication, the book did appear with an Indian imprint, and I was given a small royalty. SUNY's direct sales continued to be credited to me, however.
I was quite pleased with this process...at the very least, it made the book available to a wider audience, and the Indian edition replicated the US edition more or less precisely, though at a much lower price. I imagine it also helped SUNY financially, and perhaps even allowed them to continue with their commitment to the series.
Of course, I agree wholeheartedly with Herman Tieken that he should have been informed by SUNY of its intent with his work. Still, having our scholarship disseminated as widely as possible is, in and of itself, a "good" thing (leaving aside thorny questions of piracy, "open-access" seems to be the way of the future).
Herman Tull
(the "other" Herman)