Resellers warned of website pirates

Resellers were warned of the dangers of buying software from unlicensed websites, as Microsoft announced the results of its global internet piracy sweep.

Resellers were warned of the dangers of buying software from unlicensed websites, as Microsoft announced the results of its global internet piracy sweep.

The company has carried out criminal prosecutions in 22 countries, including the UK, over the past 18 months. In doing so it has ensured that 38,065 illegal products advertised for sale were removed from websites worldwide.

A total of £12m has been awarded to Microsoft in settlements and judgements since the piracy sweeps began in January 2000.

Julia Phillpot, anti-piracy manager at Microsoft, said that nearly five million units of counterfeit software and hardware, with an estimated value of £1.2bn, have been seized.

The most important thing, Phillpot said, was that UK resellers continued to buy through the correct and legal channels.

"If a reseller is caught selling pirated goods, however innocent the reason, they are liable and we will prosecute," she said.

Also published in Computer Reseller News