Microsoft Sues Alleged Software Pirates

Company files ten lawsuits against individuals and businesses who allegedly are illegally distributing the company's software.

Microsoft went after software pirates today as it announced ten lawsuits against companies for allegedly pirating software and against people for allegedly selling not-for-resale software to consumers.

Seven lawsuits filed against nine individuals from California, Maryland, New York, Texas and Virginia allege breach of a software agreement by which the individuals obtained a number of Microsoft Action Pack Subscriptions. The lawsuits, which are the first filed under this program, allege egregious abuse by people who have repeatedly and knowingly broken the terms of the agreement.

Three other lawsuits, filed by Microsoft against companies in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, allege counterfeit software abuses. Those companies are Auction Hut, Toledo, Ohio; Comp-Discounts Software, Boca Raton, Fla.; and Computer Techs, Grove City, Pa. In those cases, Microsoft purchased software from each of the defendant companies to test its authenticity in response to consumer complaints. When it was confirmed that the software was illegitimate, Microsoft sent cease-and-desist letters, followed by the lawsuits after the letters were ignored.

“Our honest partners have asked us to intervene to help protect those who abide by laws and rules governing software use and distribution,” said Mary Jo Schrade, senior attorney at Microsoft. “The lawsuits announced today are a necessary step to help ensure that those who knowingly and repeatedly violate known and widely accepted standards will not be given free rein to do so. We want to protect the business of honest resellers and try to ensure a level playing field for our partners.”