All of the lawsuits are directed at companies that have allegedly violated copyright and trademark laws: CEO Microsystems, Inc. of Irvine, Calif.; Wiston Group, Inc. of Walnut, Calif.; #9 Software, Inc. of Hampton, Va.; and East Outlet, LLC and Super Supplier LLC both based in Newport News, Va., and named in the same suit. The lawsuit against #9 Software, Inc. also alleges the violation of the Anti-Counterfeiting Amendments Act governing the distribution of COA labels.

Allegedly illegal or questionable actions of four companies were brought to Microsoft’s attention through consumer complaints to 1-800-RU-LEGIT (785-3448) and through Microsoft’s test purchase program — a company initiative designed to help monitor the legitimacy of software distributed around the country through random purchases of software and software components from resellers.

An Internet presence gives a company the ability to extend the reach of alleged illegal or questionable actions well beyond a local customer base. A sample of complaints received through Microsoft’s 1-800-RU-LEGIT phone line make this clear: #9 Software, Inc. had 112 complaints from consumers and businesses in 35 states and Canada; CEO Microsystems, Inc. had 66 complaints coming from 20 different states; and Super Supplier LLC had 18 complaints from people in 13 states.

"We have an obligation to protect consumers and legitimate resellers," said Mary Jo Schrade, senior attorney at Microsoft. "In filing these lawsuits, we hope to curb the amount of pirated and counterfeit software on the market and keep illegal software from finding its way into the hands of unknowing consumers and businesses."