Microsoft tackles NZ pirates

Microsoft has flushed out more than 500 New Zealanders using counterfeit software since launching an anti-piracy programme in February.

The Office Genuine Advantage Notifications programme offers computer users running Microsoft Windows a voluntary update from Microsoft.

If users accept the update and an unauthorised version of Microsoft Office is detected, they can apply for a free genuine copy or purchase one.

Microsoft small to medium business marketing manager Jared Pedersen says more than 500 Office users in New Zealand found to have counterfeit software have purchased genuine copies.

"It is also expected that many more than that chose to replace their non-genuine copy by purchasing product off the shelf at one of our retail partners."

Microsoft does not know how many users opted to apply for the free software.

The detection programme has been successful, he says.

"I personally spoke to several customers who were completely unaware that they were using non-genuine software, and were quite surprised to find this out."

Microsoft took action against two groups of individuals based in Auckland last year after it discovered they were selling counterfeit software on internet auction sites such as Trade Me and iOffer.

A court judgment ordered one of the groups to pay Microsoft $100,000 in damages. It settled out of court with the other group.

Microsoft intellectual property director Vanessa Hutley says estimates show New Zealand has the third-lowest piracy rate in the world, but it continues to regularly monitor sites such as Trade Me for counterfeit software.

"We have seen evidence that there is counterfeit Microsoft software being sold on New Zealand auction websites," she says.

"The more popular sites are clearly targets as they attract the most buyers and hence the exploitation on those sites is greater."

The company received more than A$38,000 (NZ$46,000) in damages this year after settling with 10 Australian sellers of fake software.

Microsoft investigators posed as buyers interested in high-quality counterfeit software on auction sites such as eBay.

- © Fairfax NZ News