Microsoft sues British software pirates

Microsoft has launched seven civil cases against people in the UK for selling counterfeit versions of its software.

The company has accused the internet sellers of trademark infringement for selling high-quality counterfeit Windows software, as well as fake Office 2007 and 2003 products.

Microsoft believes the vendors have sold more than 900 individual counterfeits, making more than £69,000 in the process.

Most of the sellers were found by undertaking test purchases, although Microsoft is also reacting to complaints raised by concerned customers.

None of the actions Microsoft has filed has been brought against Ebay or other auction sites. Microsoft said that sites such as Ebay can and do play a role in fighting the problem.

The UK traders are not the only ones facing legal action. In total the company has launched 63 actions spanning the globe from the UK to the United States, Germany, France, as well as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. One of the cases spans four continents.

Some of the cases involve counterfeit Windows XP software and illicit software components sold under an entirely fictional 'Blue Edition' scheme, which fools unsuspecting consumers into purchasing counterfeit software burned onto a CD.

David Finn, Microsoft’s Associate General Counsel for Worldwide Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting, said: “Dishonest auctioneers are too often using these online auction sites to sell counterfeit and illegal copies of Microsoft software, taking advantage of unsuspecting customers around the world.

“These dealers are peddling bogus products that can put customers and their personal information at serious risk.”