Tags: Microsoft

Microsoft Files Lawsuits on Counterfeiting PC Builders and Resellers

The biggest software developer in the world Microsoft has reportedly decided to sue eight computer system builders and resellers in seven U.S. states. The charges against them are distributing counterfeit and unlicensed software and software components belonging to Microsoft. Microsoft did something similar late last year in November. The law dictates criminal and civil penalties for distributing software without authenticity certificates and Microsoft plans to make use of this legal amendment that was introduced in 2003.

The step became necessary after Microsoft’s business associates and partners complained to them regarding the spurious material being sold by these dealers in the market making them loose business and money. The states where these lawsuits have been filed are: California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Alabama, Maryland and Rhode Island.

Microsoft started this practice of checking out for counterfeit software and hardware material way back in 1997. They test purchase material randomly from the dealers in the market and check them if they are original or not. If they are not authentic, the company sends a cease-and-desist letter and advice the related dealers on how they can obtain the legal versions without interfering with the law.

Latest reports by the Business Software Alliance claim that as much as 22% of the software being used in the country is pirated and causes huge damage to the IT sector due to lost revenues.