Microsoft Files 17 Anti-Piracy Lawsuits Against Resellers In Eight States

Microsoft

The lawsuits were filed after the software giant sent warnings and cease-and-desist letters in efforts to halt the alleged activity, Microsoft executives said.

Named in the lawsuits were Computer Max, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; PC Idea, Brea, Calif.; 2000 Media, Walnut Creek, Calif.; Ted Chien and Henry Chi Wong, San Gabriel, Calif.; Beyond 2K Technology, Fremont, Calif.;

WorldWide Sales, Union City, Calif.; Best Computers U.S.A., North Miami, Fla.; Powertech Technologies, Tampa, Fla.; Computer Warehouse of Central Florida, Casselberry, Fla.; Meridian Computer, Inc., Meridian, Idaho; Fulfillment USA and Software Extras., Elmhurst, Ill.; Computer Depot, Berwyn, Ill.; Morning Star International, Edison, N.J.; EJ Computers, Inc., Brick, N.J.; Sunshine Computers, Lindenwold, N.J.; Happy Day Computer System, Inc., Forrest Hills, N.Y.; and NTK Computers, Richmond, Va.

Microsoft alleges these companies sold counterfeit or pirated copies of a wide range of its software, user license agreements and client access licenses for Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Pro, Windows XP, Office 97 Pro and Office 2000 Pro.

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Just two weeks before its new Licensing 6.0 policy goes into effect, observers said Microsoft is sending out a clear signal that it will take legal action against those who distribute counterfeit or pirated copies of Windows and Office.

According to a statement issued by the company on Thursday, "Microsoft is taking this action to protect consumers and resellers from the negative impact of software piracy. Software piracy also creates unfair competition among resellers and results in revenue losses for honest businesses."