Software giant files 20 lawsuits in the US as it unveils a new website to help partners spot illegal software

Microsoft has announced it has filed 20 lawsuits against alleged counterfeiters in the US as part of its campaign to stamp out software piracy.

The software giant is currently involved in a number of initiatives to crack down on counterfeiters. Following the announcement of the lawsuits, Microsoft unveiled a new website (www.howtotell.com), which it hopes will educate partners and users in how to spot illegal software.

“This is part of three-pronged programme that addresses software piracy by promoting education for our customers," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.

“We are taking enforcement actions to protect honest software vendors.”

Earlier this month it was revealed that Keep IT Real, a Microsoft-led initiative in the UK, had led to nine convictions of staff at market operator Wendy Fair Markets Ltd.

At the time Michala Wardell, head of anti-piracy at Microsoft UK, claimed Microsoft was winning the battle.

She said: “The Keep IT Real team continues to catch those who abuse the channel."

Resellers are also urging users to ensure they buy reputable software in order to protect their systems.

"It's important to buy from reputable resellers," said Larry Malashock, vice president of Microsoft reseller Software Plus in the US. “Deals that are 'too good to be true' don't come with the right licensing or the services provided by the legitimate channel.

“In many cases counterfeit software can include coding that will end up damaging the computing environment of users.”