10 replies to this topic

[Neon]

Microsoft announced Wednesday it had filed lawsuits against eight eBay sellers in an effort to curb counterfeit software sales. The company alleges the sellers auctioned off illegal copies of its software to unsuspecting buyers.

The lawsuits were filed against sellers in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York and Washington.

Microsoft lauded its Windows Genuine Advantage program, which helped catch seven of the eight defendants. Additionally, some of those affected placed calls to Microsoft's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-RU-LEGIT.

Software piracy is a big battle for Microsoft. The company says it routinely checks auction sites for illegal software, and asks to have those auctions that it finds questionable removed. Last year, nearly 50,000 auctions were shut down for offering pirated copies of Microsoft products.

"We strongly believe in the convenience and global reach of the virtual marketplace," Microsoft attorney Matt Lundy said. "Unfortunately, a number of online sellers are undermining trust in the system by using the Internet to hawk illegal products to unsuspecting consumers."

According to the Business Software Alliance, 1 out of every 5 software installations is pirated.

In some cases, those who run pirated software may have unintentionally purchased it through an auction or another source. Microsoft claims this can pose a security risk as the installation could also introduce viruses, malicious code or spyware into a user's system.

Additionally, in Microsoft's case, these users are ineligible for the benefits of WGA, including free support, product updates and software offerings. However, they may be eligible for a free genuine copy at no cost -- as long as they fill out a piracy report as well as provide proof of purchase and surrender the counterfeit CDs.

Microsoft's Lundy said that he hopes that Wednesday's lawsuit sends a message to both sellers considering participating in the counterfeiting of Microsoft software, in addition to buyers who are falling for deals that are too good to be true.

"We hope that auction purchasers will understand that software offers are not always what they appear to be," he said.

[ShadowFox]

That's harsh, but it's about freakin time!

[error51]

If the ******** wouldn't overcharge so much, maybe people would buy legit copies of software. A Windows OS is in no way worth 200-400 dollars even for the Pro copy. Same thing with movies. Most movies aren't worth the 19.99 plus dollars that are charge for them. When I can rent 3 movies for 3 dollars for 3 days and copy one a day on to a 10 cent blank dvd, why would I go spend 19.99 on one. If I didn't know the difference between right and wrong, I would obviously go for the cheap method.

[x2p]

same here from blockbusters,if it dindnt cost so much ,i woulndt blag simple as

[Neon]

i think advertising yourself on ebay isn't smart though

[RoachycaL]

To be honest I dont blame them 50,000 auctions! Why do people buy this stuff over ebay when the people selling it just download it for free?!

[Neon]

Dunno where to look i suppose

[ShadowFox]

that or they still have dial up

[Neon]

ha, the idea is laughable though shadow...dial up? what is that? I think i read about it in a history book!

only kidding...

[ShadowFox]

HAHA HAHA ROFL, hey @!#$!@#$!@#$!@#$ :grr:

just playing, it is ancient I just wish VERIZON REALIZED THAT!!!

Edited by ShadowFox, 19 March 2006 - 04:04 PM.

[tc1]

First of all, they should burn the one's selling the software that they swiped, and second, the idiots that buy it should get took, for being simple. This is only my opinion, of course.