Microsoft sues over counterfeit software

Microsoft is filing lawsuits against eight computer system builders and resellers in seven U.S. states, accusing them of distributing counterfeit and unlicensed software and components, the company said on Monday.

The lawsuits follow similar action in November 2004 against eight dealers. Legal amendments in 2003 provide criminal and civil penalties for distributing software without authenticity certificates.

"Our partners are coming to us and asking for our help," Microsoft senior attorney Bonnie MacNaughton said in a statement. "They are being undercut and forced out of business by having to compete with dishonest PC manufacturers and resellers who continue to sell illegitimate software."