VAR settles with Microsoft over pirated software

Criffel Micro Business Systems pays undisclosed sum to settle intellectual property infringement

A Scottish VAR has agreed to pay Microsoft an undisclosed sum after being caught with pirated software.

Dumfries-based Criffel Micro Business Systems Ltd, which has been in business for around 20 years, agreed to pay the sum in compensation for an infringement of Microsoft's intellectual property rights.

The VAR had bought Microsoft branded software from an unauthorised distributor in the belief that the products were genuine but, following an investigation by Microsoft, the software turned out to be counterfeit.

However, during the same period Criffel also bought software from authorised distributors.

Shirley Johnston, director at Criffel, said in a statement: "We would never contemplate the purchase of any software which we did not consider to be totally genuine.

"In this instance, despite the software passing all our checks, it ultimately transpired not to be bona fide Microsoft product.

"As soon as Microsoft brought this to our attention, we have been co-operating with them in regularising the position."

Caroline Smith, licence compliance channel manager for Microsoft UK, said: "It is imperative that channel partners understand that counterfeit software can appear to be genuine.

"To avoid the risks of dealing in counterfeit or otherwise illegal software, resellers should buy via the authorised distribution route."