The High Court of South Africa has ruled in favour of Microsoft Corporation`s application for default judgment against software reseller PC Games World CC.
The default judgment for unlawful hard-disc loading and the illegal sale of unlicensed Microsoft products against the first defendant (PC Games World CC) provides for an interdict against PC Games World CC, preventing the entity from infringing Microsoft`s rights in its computer programs. PC Games World CC has also been ordered to deliver up for destruction all infringing copies of Microsoft computer programs in its possession or under its control.
In addition, the court has ordered that an enquiry be held into the quantum of damages, additional damages and royalties payable by PC Games World CC to Microsoft. This process first requires the location of the second defendant in this matter, Ms Efstratiou, as the sole registered member of the close corporation in question. Finally, the court ruled that the costs of the application are to be paid by PC Games World CC.
"We are pleased by the support that we receive from the High Court in this matter and are sure that we can continue to support the ethical operators in the channel with swift action against unethical resellers," says Bradley Hopkinson, small, medium solutions and partner group director at Microsoft South Africa.
Consumers or businesses that unwittingly transact with unethical resellers can unintentionally put their PCs and networks at risk when purchasing illegal software. "The possibility of a system becoming infected by spyware or other malware, such as viruses or receiving incomplete code, increases when consumers are sold counterfeit software. Microsoft has also seen instances of credit card theft by those purporting to sell software online that later turned out to be counterfeit," says Hopkinson.
Installing and using counterfeit software can also prevent customers from obtaining updates or add-on products, such as newer versions of Microsoft Windows Media Player or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Access to these technologies is offered to users of genuine Microsoft Windows products through a validation process.
"We continue to encourage consumers and businesses to ensure they are dealing with registered Microsoft partners before they transact," adds Hopkinson.
To learn more about protecting intellectual property, software asset management and to learn "how to tell" some of the security features of genuine software and help ensure product authenticity, go to www.genuine.co.za.
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