MS and ITAC settle lawsuits

Software giant and reseller issue joint statement

Microsoft has reached a last minute agreement with UK distributor ITAC after months of legal wrangling.

Last February, ITAC and its directors countersued Microsoft for libel after the software giant issued a $7m civil case against it, alleging it had been selling “parallel import” software from an unauthorised distributor in the Middle East (CRN, 7 February 2005).

At the time ITAC had claimed Microsoft posted “accusations” on its web site and circulated them via a ‘media alert’ email to the UK IT trade channel.

Although details of the settlement were sparse as CRN went to press, Microsoft and ITAC issued a joint statement.

“Microsoft and ITAC are pleased that they have settled their respective lawsuits amicably. Microsoft is happy to acknowledge that ITAC is a reputable company and will be pleased to do business with ITAC in the future.”

Neither firm was available for further comment.

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