 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| ||||
| ||||
|
 | |||
|
Microsoft bids to bust 63 more offenders 5 December, 2008 As part of its continued effort to protect its customers and partners from global software piracy, Microsoft has announced 63 legal actions in 12 countries against online auctioneers who allegedly violated Microsoft's copyrights and/or trademarks through marketing scams and counterfeit software sales to unsuspecting customers. The announcements include legal actions against unscrupulous auctioneers who sold counterfeit Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office software and illicit software components on global online marketplaces. The 63 legal actions are taking place in 12 countries, including 16 in the United States, 12 in Germany, 12 in France and 7 in the United Kingdom, as well as proceedings in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. These cases are a timely reminder to consumers to be vigilant during this holiday season to avoid falling prey to scams or fakes when shopping online for good deals on software. The majority of the cases announced today involve counterfeit Windows XP software or components. "Consumers need to be aware that Windows XP is coming to the end of its sales cycle, and while genuine Windows XP products are still available through some channels, they should be vigilant to avoid counterfeit software. That is why we provide resources like the howtotell.com website and other tools to help consumers buy smart," said Christopher Tortorice, Corporate Counsel, Anti-Piracy, Microsoft Canada.
The growth of internet auction sites has made it possible for people to purchase software online from anywhere in the world. In recent months, Microsoft received complaints from victims of a new online auction scheme by auctioneers selling discounted software from a fabricated marketing program dubbed "Blue Edition". The entirely fictional Blue Edition scheme fools unsuspecting consumers into purchasing counterfeit software burned onto a CD. More information on how consumers can make safe software purchasing decisions appears at http://www.howtotell.com. More information about Microsoft's Genuine Software Initiative is available at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine.
|
|
|
| |||
|
home | feedback | printer friendly version | email this article
©2009 Integrated mar.com Corporation | 1.800.465.2059 |
|
|
