You may want to hold on to your wallet the next time the price of a software title seems too good to be true. It could be an illegal sale.

Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has filed 10 lawsuits against companies for allegedly pirating software and against people for allegedly selling not-for-resale software to unsuspecting purchasers. The actions, taken amid a technology landscape pocked by the fraudulent activities of those seeking to undermine fair business practices, are designed to help protect Microsoft�s partners and consumers from those engaging in the illegal sale of Microsoft� software � from counterfeit products to not-for-resale software deceitfully obtained and sold at retail.

Seven lawsuits filed against nine individuals from California, Maryland, New York, Texas and Virginia allege breach of a software agreement by which the individuals obtained a number of Microsoft Action Pack Subscriptions (MAPS). The MAPS Initiative is a program that provides eligible partners with discounted Microsoft software packages for product evaluation and internal use. The MAPS-related lawsuits, the first Microsoft has filed, allege egregious abuse of this program by people who have repeatedly and knowingly broken the terms of the agreement. Some of those named in the suits have allegedly attempted to sell software from their subscriptions to consumers through online auction sites.

�gOur partners are negatively affected by the activities of those who compete unfairly by either selling illegal software and components or abusing agreements that other partners abide by,�h said John Ball, general manager for Microsoft�fs U.S. System Builders Partner Group, which works with businesses that manufacture computers. �gThese dishonest resellers sell products at minimal costs, undercutting the business of legitimate resellers. Those who operate ethically within the law take a hard financial hit. We like to see our honest partners succeed.�h