Microsoft said it took legal action against Big Ben Computer in July 2002 after finding evidence that the reseller had sold a computer preloaded with an unlicensed copy of the Windows operating system in December 2001. Big Ben Computer and Microsoft settled the matter prior to a Federal court date set for October this year.
Microsoft today refused to reveal how many unlicensed copies of the Windows operating system it estimated had been distributed through the piracy scheme.
However it's clear that the software maker had a difficult time deterring Big Ben Computer from engaging in the practice.
Microsoft's recent investigation into Big Ben Computer began just three months after it had reached AU$10,000 compensation agreement with the reseller in February 2001 in relation to similar activities.
Microsoft Australia law and corporate affairs spokesperson, Chris Woodforde added that resorting to legal remedies to settle copyright disputes was a lengthy process and only used as a last resort for extreme cases.
Woodforde said that Microsoft hoped the legal action would send a signal letting "the legitimate channel know that we're supporting them in their legitimate activity".
According to Woodforde, Microsoft employees were the "eyes and ears" of the company in the channel and on the lookout for suspicious activity.
The company also told consumers to stay alert for suspicious software goods, warning that Microsoft products purchased from pirating operations were ineligible for technical support.
