Microsoft targets alleged NZ piracy

Microsoft has settled with three companies from New Zealand which were accused of selling unlicensed software.

The companies, TDM Technology Limited, Pars TV and PCTown were only some of those accused of the practice, with two further companies deciding not to settle. They will be facing the software behemoth in the Auckland District Court, according to a statement issued by Microsoft this afternoon.

Last November also saw two High Court proceedings against Auckland-based traders who were charged with selling counterfeit Microsoft software, which the company thought had been sourced from China.

"Piracy creates unfair market conditions for resellers, and in the current economic climate, every cent of revenue is critical," Microsoft's NZ country manager Kevin Ackhurst claimed in a statement. "We cannot stand idly by while our channel partners and customers are at risk, and will continue to take responsible actions to ensure the safety and vitality of the local software economy."

ZDNet.com.au is attempting to contact the companies concerned.

The New Zealand action follows a similar initiative by Microsoft in Australia in October last year. The company took three Australian individuals to court for what the software giant claimed was trade in pirated and counterfeit software.