Customers advised to be vigilant as new batch of counterfeit Windows XP finds its way into Thailand

Microsoft Thailand is advising its customers and partners in Thailand to be extra cautious when purchasing its software after receiving reports from IT malls in Bangkok that a small group of vendors are now offering a sophisticated counterfeit version of the Windows XP Professional operating system.

This new pirated imitation of Windows XP is being falsely advertised by some IT shop-owners as genuine and is being sold to unsuspecting customers at an inflated price since it is difficult to distinguish from the authentic Microsoft product. However, despite some similarities in appearance, the pirated version of XP Professional is poorly packaged in plastic shrink-wrap instead of the official Microsoft box and comes with an old-style Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

Indeed customers can fight back if they know what to look for and follow a simple checklist before buying. The most common clues that the software is counterfeit are packaging quality, misspelling on the labels and manuals, CD quality, Hologram quality, Certificate of Authenticity (COA) quality, Micro-Print and Metal Thread quality.

Vendors found to be guilty of selling counterfeit products face a jail sentence of 3 months to 2 years or a fine of Bt50,000 to Bt400,000.

Commenting on reports of the continued circulation of pirated Microsoft software in Thailand, Patama Chantaruck, managing director, Microsoft Thailand said, "We are concerned not only about the continued negative impact on economies and legitimate businesses, but the risk to consumers as well. Counterfeit software exposes users to an increased risk of viruses, worms and other damaging code including spyware and Trojan horses. When customers see the Microsoft logo they expect to receive genuine, high-quality software, but counterfeit copies not only pose security risks but often fail to operate properly. As such, we are continuing to work closely with all our partners to educate Thai consumers on how to protect themselves. These ongoing efforts include hosting IP awareness presentations and program offerings such as Software Asset Management (SAM), Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) and Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer (MSIA)."

It is estimated that more than one third of PCs globally contain unlicensed, pirated or counterfeit software. The losses inflicted on legitimate businesses by widespread software piracy are significant. In 2007, the global economic loss was estimated at nearly $50 billion. As technological advances expand opportunities for criminal syndicates to manufacture and distribute fakes, it is clear that piracy and counterfeiting pose a real and growing threat to intellectual property and innovation. By addressing this illegal activity, Microsoft is helping to level the playing field for legitimate dealers who are harmed when illegal sales cut into their business, and ensure that consumers receive the full value of licensed, genuine Microsoft products.

Full details of how to recognize counterfeit software can be found by visiting www.microsoft.com/thailand/genuine or users who suspect they have been sold a pirated copy of Microsoft software can also contact the Microsoft Customer Contact Center by calling 02-263-6888.