Microsoft takes legal action against alleged software pirate

NEWS Microsoft has launched a private prosecution against a man caught by German customs authorities with a lorry load of counterfeit software. Action is also being taken against companies associated with the man, which allegedly make up a European-wide counterfeit ring. The £35m hoard was discovered by customs officers in Aachen. It included CDs and certificates of authenticity. David Gregory, anti-piracy manager at Microsoft UK, said: "This is a major success in the battle against software piracy. The size of the haul and the information gained so far shows this was a very large operation. The ongoing investigation will have a big impact on the black market for counterfeit software." It is believed that the software was manufactured in the UK before the attempted export to Germany. The man being held is American. There is currently no evidence to suggest a link with the robbery of software from Microsoft's Scottish plant at the end of July.