Microsoft Files Eight Anti-Piracy Suits

Microsoft on Monday announced that it had filed eight lawsuits against companies distributing pirated software in five states. The suits were filed thanks to tips to Microsoft's anti-piracy hotline as well as "secret shoppers." Legal action taken against MicroCity4Less.com of Torrance, California actually relied in part on information submitted through Microsoft's new Windows Genuine Advantage program.

Microsoft says that counterfeit activity continues to be a threat, citing a study that claims $200 billion worth of software will be pirated by 2010. "Microsoft does not take legal action lightly. We remain very serious about protecting honest software resellers and consumers from the illegal activities of software counterfeiters," said Mary Jo Schrade, senior attorney at Microsoft.