The latest counterfeit Microsoft software making the rounds of online auctions is Office 'Blue Edition'.
The counterfeit software claims to be a technician version of Microsoft's software that happens not to require a serial number, product activation or any of Microsoft's anti-counterfeiting mechanisms.
"That program is entirely fictitious," said Matt Lundy, a senior attorney for Microsoft. "It's nothing more than a scheme by pirates to confuse and deceive consumers."
The so-called Blue Edition of Office (pictured) is nothing more than a cheap counterfeit copy, Microsoft said. The problem is that the software has been selling well via online auctions.
Microsoft has targeted those selling the Blue Edition, as well as those involved in several other elaborate schemes, in a series of 63 lawsuits in 12 countries, including a number of actions filed this week in the US. Microsoft has said that it will undertake seven actions in the UK.
In addition to targeting Blue Edition sellers, Microsoft is pursuing counterfeiters in New Zealand who were allegedly selling counterfeit copies of Windows XP that shipped to buyers in the US, directly from China.
"It really highlights the global nature of the problem," Lundy said. Windows XP remains the version of Windows most often counterfeited, Lundy said, although, in some cases, Vista is also being offered.
Although eBay is among the places where those targeted in some of the lawsuits sold their wares, Microsoft said it does not blame the online auction site.
"We hold the pirates responsible for piracy," he said. "All online marketplaces are susceptible to abuse."
Counterfeit software is a huge problem for Microsoft. The lawsuits, while arguably necessary, don't seem like they will stop such schemes, but rather will force pirates to change tactics.
