REDMOND, WASH - Microsoft Corp. has announced on Wednesday the details of the risks of using counterfeit software, and six weeks after Microsoft released its own forensic analysis of counterfeit discs, Microsoft announced a series of criminal and civil actions taken against alleged dealers of counterfeit software around the world.
The announcement marks the largest enforcement effort by Microsoft and the first time the company has focused its efforts worldwide to bring legal action against online dealers. The 55 legal actions include 15 in the United States, 10 in Germany, 10 in the Netherlands, five in France and five in the United Kingdom, as well as proceedings in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Korea, Mexico and Poland.
According to a press release by the company, the cases are against sellers who allegedly have misused their eBay or other auction-site accounts to sell counterfeit software to unsuspecting consumers and businesses. Many of the defendants received warnings for infringing behavior before the legal action, including written cease and desist orders and/or removal of their auctions by the online host. In each case subsequent investigation and/or test purchases revealed copyright and trademark infringement by the defendant seller.
Many of the allegedly infringing sellers were identified through tips submitted from consumers through Microsoft’s Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program. As part of the WGA, consumers can verify whether their Microsoft software is genuine, and in the process receive product downloads, Windows updates and other special offers. The WGA program is designed to differentiate the value of genuine Windows software from non-genuine, and to educate consumers about the potential risks associated with counterfeit software.
“Counterfeit software is defective and dangerous because counterfeiters tamper with the genuine software code, which leaves the door open to identity theft and other serious security breaches,” said a Senior Attorney at Microsoft Matt Lundy.
“It is simply not worth putting your personal and confidential information at risk to save a few dollars on software; it can cost much more in the long run. For our part, Microsoft is committed to taking the necessary legal action to protect consumers worldwide from the dangers of counterfeit software,” he added.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
