MS Files Suit Against Software Pirates

Microsoft took action on Wednesday by filing four lawsuits against companies in Virginia and California, alleging that the companies were engaging in the sale of pirated copies of Microsoft software. The company was tipped off by calls from consumers to its piracy hotline, 1-800-RU-LEGIT.

Microsoft identified the companies as #9 Software, who had 112 complaints across 35 states and Canada, CEO Microsystems with 66 complaints in 20 states, and Super Supplier, with 18 complaints from people in 13 states.

"We have an obligation to protect consumers and legitimate resellers," Mary Jo Schrade, senior attorney at Microsoft said in prepared remarks. "In filing these lawsuits, we hope to curb the amount of pirated and counterfeit software on the market and keep illegal software from finding its way into the hands of unknowing consumers and businesses."

According to Microsoft, the companies named in the lawsuits were warned that their actions were breaking the law and were given an opportunity to rectify the situation. However, the companies ignored Microsoft's requests and continued to sell unauthorized copies of its software.

"We'll continue to do what we can to educate our channel partners and consumers about the risk associated with selling, buying or using pirated and counterfeit items," Schrade said. "As a last resort, we'll take legal action to help ensure that software identified as Microsoft software actually is genuine, legitimate software."

Also named in the lawsuits alleging copyright and trademark infringement were Winston Group, Inc. and East Outlet, LLC. A second suit against #9 Software was filed alleging the company was counterfeiting COA labels.

COA, or certificate of authenticity, labels are the holographic stickers on the back of Microsoft software that are intended to confirm to consumers that a product is genuine. The labels also include the product key in case the operating system requires reinstallation.

Legitimate resellers of Microsoft software applauded Wednesday's legal moves.

"Consumers benefit tremendously from using genuine software and shouldn't be duped into believing that pirated technology is the same as the real thing," Robert Russell, president of Virginia-based Ill Open Technologies said. "Piracy and counterfeiting are unfair to our customers and us. Microsoft is doing the right thing."