Microsoft launches huge anti-piracy effort

Microsoft is hitting out against pirates in a new initiative it has labelled as “global anti-piracy day,” taking simultaneous legal action in over 48 countries.

Microsoft is hitting out against pirates in a new initiative it has labelled as “global anti-piracy day,” taking simultaneous legal action in over 48 countries.

The company is pursuing cases in the Federal Court against individuals for copyright infringement as part of its global crackdown. According to the computer giant, the growth of counterfeit products being sold online is something that needs to be stopped.

“Software piracy and counterfeiting is a global trade, and Microsoft is committed to working with others around the world to stay a step ahead of this criminal industry,” Microsoft Australia intellectual property director Vanessa Hutley told itnews.com.au.

“Fighting piracy is about protecting consumers who think they are buying legitimate software, as well as protecting the interests of legitimate IT businesses.

“It has been estimated that a reduction in piracy by 10% over the next four years would generate an additional 3929 jobs in Australia. According to a recent IDC Piracy Impact Study 2008, the reduction would result in $1.9 billion in local industry revenue and $4.3 billion in additional GDP.”