MS takes out writ over piracy claims

Microsoft has issued a High Court writ against two software dealers over the alleged sale of counterfeit and unlicensed packages.

The writ was served on 27 January against Netcom Distribution Ltd and Netcom Distributors Ltd, both registered to the same address in Luton, and directors Aftab Bhatti and Jasbir Singh Uppal, over alleged claims that they sold software purporting to be Microsoft's, but which was not made or licensed by Microsoft.

The writ also alleges that the defendants sold unpackaged retail software for which no user licence agreement (ULA) was supplied, or was supplied with a ULA which did not relate to the software.

The writ was served following an inquiry in conjunction with Surrey County Council Trading Standards Department last month. It claimed counterfeit versions of Windows 95, Microsoft Office Professional and Microsoft Bookshelf were sold to Aztec Computer Solutions, GLJ Computers and Surrey Business Services, and unlicensed products were sold to Effective Solutions for Business Ltd.

David Gregory, anti-piracy manager at Microsoft, said: 'This action is part of operation Major Strike, which was stepped up last year to stop importers of pirate software, which costs the UK 31,000 jobs a year.

'We are seeking damages and an injunction restraining the defendants from infringing Microsoft trademarks or passing off goods purporting to be Microsoft's. We also want the names and addresses of their suppliers,' he added.

Gregory said as of 8 February, the defendants had not contacted Microsoft's solicitors. Lawyers representing the defendants were unavailable for comment.

According to Companies House documents, Netcom Distribution showed a non-trading position for the period ended 31 October and is considered to be dormant. Netcom Distributors is listed as a seller of computer peripherals.