MS slaps Atlantic with writ

Microsoft has issued a massive High Court writ against Swansea-based PC dealer Atlantic Business Systems, alleging use of unlicensed software and demanding to examine the company's sales figures. It also emerged that this is the 20th time in a year that Microsoft has issued a UK writ after warning letters failed to produce the results it wanted.

Sharon Bailey, marketing manager at Microsoft UK, confirmed a writ was issued against Atlantic on 8 August. 'The writ came about as a result of a cease and desist letter prompted by complaints to our hot line and the Business Software Alliance.

'The writ is asking for the submission of Atlantic's sales records so the court can ascertain the relevant actions and damages,' she said.

'It asks Atlantic to cease and co-operate with the court. As of last Friday, Atlantic had not responded.'

Bailey confirmed that Microsoft had issued 20 writs over a 12-month period. 'We have not had to go to court as yet - everyone has settled with us so far,' she said.

An Atlantic representative said his company will respond, but declined to give details.

Microsoft has admitted there is a bug in Internet Explorer 3, launched last week. The company promises that a fix to the bug, which forces users to repeatedly re-enter registration data, will be posted on the Net.