Recently, Microsoft turned to DIY computer business after they sued the retailer of pirated software. The case was brought to the Beijing 1st Intermediate People’s court after they purchased 12 DIY computers from Beijing Strong Well Future Technology Co.(hereafter refers to as Strong Well) in Zhongguancun area. A damage of 500,000 Renminbi Yuan was claimed from Strong Well.
The case was heard at Beijing No.1 Intermediate People's Court in June. Microsoft claimed that their agent, accompanied by the notary public, purchased 12 computers from several stores owned by Strong Well. Upon careful review, Microsoft found that all the 12 computers were pre-installed with Windows XP and Office 2003 software, which are all pirated software.
Microsoft alleged that such pre-installment of pirated software in the computers has caused significant economic losses to Microsoft, and therefore a court order is to be sought to stop the infringement and a damage of 500,000 Renminbi yuan should be paid.
Strong Well argued that Microsoft was involved in malicious and inductive purchase. They insisted that Strong Well only sells computer accessories, not computers except requested by clients. In addition, the employees of the company were forbidden to install any pirated software. Nevertheless, the employees had to install the pirated software when they were told that the computer will be returned without pre-installed software. Further, Strong Well alleged that the software was purchased by the employees themselves and not provided by the company.
The case is still pending.
