Comet is accused of selling fake Windows

SOFTWARE HOUSE Microsoft has started legal proceedings against UK electronics firm Comet and accused it of selling counterfeit copies of Windows software.

In a statement on its web site Microsoft explained that it had evidence that Comet was selling laptops and PCs loaded with counterfeit software.

David Finn, associate general counsel for worldwide anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting at Microsoft said that the store had allegedly sold 94,000 counterfeit copies of Windows Vista and Windows XP recovery disks.

"As detailed in the complaint filed today, Comet produced and sold thousands of counterfeit Windows CDs to unsuspecting customers in the United Kingdom," Finn said.

"Comet's actions were unfair to customers. We expect better from retailers of Microsoft products - and our customers deserve better, too."

Microsoft alleged that Comet produced the counterfeit CDs itself in a factory in Hampshire.

Comet did not have a statement ready at the time of publishing, but is expected to release one soon. µ