RSSMicrosoft Sues 10 for Software Piracy
By Nate Mook | Published December 15, 2005, 11:10 AM
Microsoft wants you to know that "Not For Resale" isn't just a recommendation. The Redmond company on Thursday announced that it had filed seven lawsuits against individuals who violated its Action Pack subscription agreement and three others against companies for pirating software.
The Microsoft Action Pack Subscriptions, or MAPS, offers a way for partners to obtain heavily discounted software from Microsoft. However, the software must only be used for internal testing and development, and may not be deployed on production systems or resold.
Microsoft says that some of the nine individuals named in the suits attempted to sell MAPS software through online auction sites. These are the first lawsuits to be filed in relation to MAPS abuses.
"Our partners are negatively affected by the activities of those who compete unfairly by either selling illegal software and components or abusing agreements that other partners abide by," said John Ball, general manager for Microsoft's U.S. System Builders Partner Group.
Ball said the actions of these unscrupulous parties were detrimental to other Microsoft partners who abide by the law. "These dishonest resellers sell products at minimal costs, undercutting the business of legitimate resellers."
The non-MAPS lawsuits were filed in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, alleging counterfeit software abuses. Microsoft says Auction Hut, Comp-Discounts Software and Computer Techs were selling counterfeit software and did not change their behavior after being warned.
Microsoft added that its new Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program and RU-LEGIT hotline helped uncover the illegal operations.
Windows has long been a sinch to pirate it's a wonder why Microsoft haven't done a whole lot more to protect it.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, try to sue me M$, you wont get nothin, coz i aint got nothin. but if you need a few copies of your os for $1 each, your welcome.
.....i got xp, server2k3, vista, and loads of others, so be sure to specify which
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There is another bigger case which need more attentions:
In some countries illegal software even sold in big malls and in big shop.
In that countries they already have the law which is forbid to sell or produce illegal products such as pirated software/ CD. but it is still exist without any problems in the market.
I think BSA better to start working on this. and then they also can start checking the company who use illegal software.
Example of the country is Indonesia.
They sell at Mangga Dua Mall, Ratu Plaza, Blok M, THR Mall Surabaya.
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Not sure why they can take jail time. They are not breaking any law only company policy. No law says I can not use my discount for friends and family or profit. Though my company says only direct family can share my discounts. But nothing is to stop me from selling besides losing my job. Its not against the law. Why is it microsoft can prosecute someone. I understand it has to do with lost money. But they are not doing anything illegal. Only against company policy.
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Its not just company policy, its a legally binding contract. Its not just a coupon or discount, its licensed for only a specific purpose. It is illegal.
And it seems that you believe these are people working for MS, they are not, company discounts would be different, these are external "registered partners".
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Only the government (District Attorney, state Attorney Generals or the US Attorneys) can prosecute people and have a judge send people to jail or prisons.
Microsoft can file civil lawsuits; but those penalties hardly include a ticket to the joint. Note that the MARLBORO Man was just sued for millions of dollars in Illinois. No tobacco Caompany executive is going to prison, for killing thousands of people with his drugs.
The penalties are usually paid for with big $$$ rather than sitting behind bars...
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Yes, jail em.
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Serves them right: whoever got caught had agreed beforehand on those terms in exchange for the discounted price, so at the very least they went back on their word--& at worst they had the piracy pre-planned. Whoever is low on funds has no excuse really(in spite that commercial software is/may be pricey)-- as Ms has plenty of discount, bundle, & volume packages, programs, & payment plans in place for just about anyone: certain qualified professionals, education, non-profits, new/small businesses, minorities, dogs & cats, etc.
And IF that's still too burdensome financial-wise, open source most of the time has a more-varied menu anyhow.
No excuse here.
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