Microsoft issues warning to pirates

Vendor threatens similar offenders with ITAC treatment

Microsoft has warned software pirates that it will pursue them to the bitter end, following its victory over ITAC owner Barry Omesuh.

Last week Omesuh was ordered to pay Microsoft £2.5m in damages for parallel importing. He also received seven custodial sentences at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, ranging between one and nine months to be served concurrently.

Microsoft launched its legal battle against the sub-distributor in 2006.

Graham Arthur, anti-piracy attorney at Microsoft UK said: “This outcome shows that Microsoft will pursue a case all the way through. Microsoft takes protecting its channel seriously and anyone else should expect similar treatment.

“The legitimate channel is not enjoying an easy time at the moment and it is our job to remove any unfair competition from the market.”

Terry Betts, managing director of VAR CCS Media, said: “These types of firms are bringing prices down and they should be made examples of.”

Part of Omesuh’s debt will be recouped through the sale of his holiday home.

Mrs Justice Proudman in her judgment said: “The defendant was a wholly unreliable witness who on his own admission told a number of barefaced lies.”