Storm Computers was purportedly found to be selling personal computers loaded with pirated versions of Microsoft software. Pirated CDs were also seized during the operation and two Storm employees were arrested.
Under the terms of the civil settlement, Storm Computers will only sell and distribute genuine Microsoft software to their customers in the future. Both parties also agreed to an undisclosed amount of damages.
“We are highly appreciative of Microsoft’s approach to our case. After talks with the company, we have come to fully understand the value of genuine software and the risks associated with distributing pirated software, both to ourselves and to our valued customers. We look forward to working in partnership with Microsoft to grow our business and to ensure a positive and safe experience for our customers,” said Mustafa Ali Khan, Manager, Storm Computers.
“The series of settlements we engaged in last year reflects a growing willingness among resellers to shun illegal trade and join the anti-piracy cause. We expect 2010 to carry over this trend and usher in greater cooperation from resellers. Although local authorities have gained ground in reducing the incidences of piracy across the Emirates via a combination of awareness campaigns and enforcement activities, they still need more help from the software sector and the public to combat copyright violations,” concluded Jawad Al Redha, IPR Manager, Microsoft Gulf.
Microsoft Gulf has revealed that Dubai-based computer reseller Storm Computers has agreed to an out-of-court civil settlement, following a raid on the store a few months ago.
