A New Zealand online auction trader has paid $15,000 in damages to Microsoft after being caught selling pirated software.
An investigation by Microsoft New Zealand found Auckland-based OnlineSale Computers Limited selling personal computers with unlicensed software.
Its directors admitted infringing Microsoft's copyright, apologised, and paid $15,000 in damages.
"Microsoft is committed to protecting consumers from downloading or purchasing non-genuine software, because it's often full of spyware, malware and viruses that can lead to identity theft, loss of data and system failure," said Clayton Noble, legal counsel for Microsoft.
"Some strains of counterfeit software products contain hidden key-logging software that allows criminals to steal passwords, bank account details and other personal information."
