Continuing its fight against software piracy, Microsoft has been successful in shutting down a UK software dealer, following an investigation that also involved the police and trading standards. Under an out of court settlement just agreed, Oyster Computers have ceased trading, and their proprietor, William Ling, has been forced to pay Microsoft a considerable sum. He has also been compelled to undertake not to sell counterfeit software in the future.
Microsoft's anti-piracy programme has made it clear that Ling will continue to be the subject of further observation. Additionally, his part in a wider illegal software trade is being investigated. It is expected that more prosecutions in the UK will be the result of this.
"This is about the wider UK economy. The longer someone like Ling stays in business, the more legitimate reseller's are threatened," said Michala Alexander, head of Microsoft's anti-piracy programme in the UK.