Microsoft has filed lawsuits against eight individuals accused of selling pirated software on eBay
Microsoft actively monitors eBay and other auction sites for pirated software

Microsoft takes on pirate software sellers

Vendor files lawsuits against eight eBay sellers

Tom Sanders in California

Microsoft has filed lawsuits against eight individuals accused of selling pirated software on eBay.

The defendants are located in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York and Washington.

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Microsoft traced seven of the alleged pirates through its Windows Genuine Advantage programme which allows users to check the validity of their software online. Several of the defendants were also reported through Microsoft's Anti-Piracy Hotline.

Microsoft claims that it actively monitors eBay and other auction sites for pirated software, and requested the removal of 50,000 listings last year.

The vendor unveiled a new anti-piracy programme last week which seeks to further emphasise the security risks of purchasing illegal software. 

Copied software in some cases comes bundled with spyware or other malware, and in other cases credit card theft rings masquerade behind online stores promising discounted software.

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Further reading

MPAA accused of DVD piracy

Motion Picture Association of America admits to copying film without permission

Microsoft launches anti-piracy campaign

Investigators ensure businesses 'Keep IT Real'

MPAA takes piracy fight to newsgroups

US lawsuits target torrent, eDonkey and newsgroup sites

Microsoft warns of pirate software security risks

Pirated software could hold spyware, vendor cautions

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