-----Original Message----- From: Microsoft OEM Internet Business Support [mailto:msoemnet@microsoft.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 1:24 PM Subject: Microsoft Targets Distributors of Pirated Software with Legal Action in Nine Cities For more information regarding US Enforcement Cases, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/partners/alerts.mspx On August 12th, Microsoft announced the following release: Microsoft Targets Distributors of Pirated Software with Legal Action in Nine Cities Company Heeds Call of Legitimate Resellers to Level Playing Field for Ethical Business Owners REDMOND, Wash. - August 12, 2004 - As part of Microsoft Corp.'s commitment to honest and legitimate resellers in the channel, the company filed nine lawsuits in nine cities across the country against resellers who have allegedly distributed infringing Microsoft software. Each of the companies named in the lawsuits filed on August 10, 2004 were distributing infringing software on computers that they sold to investigators, according to the complaints. Defendants in each case were contacted by Microsoft requesting that they halt their activities. Lawsuits were filed against companies located in Uniontown and Allentown, Pennsylvania; Lodi, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Wethersfield, Connecticut; Dandridge, Tennessee; Grand Rapids, Michigan and Marina del Rey, California. The lawsuits allege distribution of counterfeit and/or infringing copies of Microsoft software. "Microsoft is listening to our partners and resellers and we are taking these steps to protect them against dishonest dealers and resellers who are peddling unlicensed and counterfeit software," said Darren Huston, Corporate Vice President, U.S. Small, Mid-Market, Solutions & Partners, Microsoft. "Because they can sell illegitimate software for a cheaper price, often significantly cheaper, these sellers have an economic advantage over those who play by the rules. Microsoft is committed to leveling the playing field for honest resellers and assuring consumers that when they purchase Microsoft software from any dealer, it's genuine." "Dishonest resellers who continue to sell counterfeit or unlicensed software undercut ethical businesses and create a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace. We are thankful that Microsoft is taking these actions to level the playing field for honest businesses," said Andrew Cohen, president of Vertical IT Solutions in Tampa, FL. "Consumers should also understand that not using genuine licensed software results in lack of technical support and future product upgrades. Eventually, the consumers suffer with higher future costs and limited support options resulting in downtime and loss of productivity." Software dealers who mislead consumers into buying illegal software prevent customers from receiving the benefits that the use of genuine software provides, including receiving software that is complete and fit for the use intended, and is eligible to receive technical support and valuable upgrades. Microsoft is committed to protecting the genuine distribution community and ensuring that consumers can obtain Microsoft software from all dealers in good faith. Undercutting legitimate businesses and the software developers who create these products hurts local, regional, national and global economies. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. 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For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft .com/presspass/contactpr.asp. Case Fact Sheet August 12, 2004 The following is a summary of the allegations contained in the 9 infringing software lawsuits filed by Microsoft Corp. on August 10, 2004 in cities throughout the United States. Case Summaries Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut: Microsoft Corporation v. PC Warehouse/Uptech, et al., Wethersfield, Connecticut, alleging distribution of infringing copies of Microsoft Windows 98, Office 2000 Professional and Windows 2000 Professional. (Case No 3:04CV1327 (JBA)) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey: Microsoft Corporation v. Comp-U-Max, Inc., et al., Lodi, New Jersey, alleging distribution of a counterfeit Windows 2000 Certificate of Authenticity Label and infringing copies of Windows 2000 Professional. (Case No. 04-CV-3809 (WGB)) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania: Microsoft Corporation v. Laurel Computer Systems, Inc., et al., Uniontown, Pennsylvania, alleging distribution of infringing copies of Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro. (Case No Case No. 2:04cv1188 (DSC)) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania: Microsoft Corporation v. Computer Warehouse Outlet, et al., Allentown, Pennsylvania, alleging distribution of infringing copies of Microsoft Windows 98, Windows XP and Office 2003 Pro. (Case No Case No. 04cv3784 (LDD)) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California: Microsoft Corporation v. Aztek Computers, et al., Marina del Rey, California, alleging distribution of infringing copies of Microsoft Windows XP Pro. (Case No. CV04-6632-DSF (RCx) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida: Microsoft Corporation v. EG Computer, Inc, et al., Miami, Florida, alleging distribution of infringing copies of Microsoft Windows 98 and Office 2000 Premium. (Case No. 04-22039-civ-Huck/Turnoff) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan: Microsoft Corporation v. UserEasy Computer Systems, Inc., et al., Grand Rapids, Michigan, alleging distribution of counterfeit Windows 95 and/or related components, counterfeit Windows 2000 Pro Certificate of Authenticity Labels, and an infringing copy of Microsoft Windows 98. (Case No.1:04CV0522) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee: Microsoft Corporation v. Save More Sales, et al., Dandridge, Tennessee, alleging distribution of infringing copies of Microsoft Windows XP Pro and Windows 2000 Pro. (Case No. 3:04-CV-353) Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas: Microsoft Corporation v. Computers for Less, et al., Houston, Texas, alleging distribution of counterfeit and/or infringing copies of Microsoft Windows XP Pro and Office XP Pro and/or related components. (Case No. H 04 - 3182)