Symantec Wins $3 Million Judgment In Software Piracy Suit

The suit that Symantec, Cupertino, Calif., brought against Maryland Internet Marketing in April claims trademark infringement, copyright infringement and false advertising. Maryland Internet Marketing was using spam e-mail campaigns to sell the counterfeit software, which included Norton SystemWorks, Norton Antivirus, Norton Ghost and pcAnywhere, at reduced prices.

The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Western Division granted the judgment. As part of the settlement, Maryland Internet Marketing CEO George Moore will be personally responsible for $300,000 in damages. In addition, Moore and Maryland Internet Marketing must assist Symantec in its investigation against other suppliers of counterfeit software.

In a prepared statement, William Plante, Symantec director of Worldwide Security and Brand Protection Task Force, said: "In our estimation, Maryland Internet Marketing was the largest source of spammed e-mails circulating throughout the Internet in the United States selling counterfeit Symantec software. As a result of this case, the frequency of such e-mails has dropped dramatically and a sizable amount of counterfeit product has been taken out of circulation. The fact that Mr. Moore was held personally accountable speaks volumes for how serious a crime it is to sell counterfeit software."