Microsoft Corp.'s efforts against the distribution of counterfeit software are being realized today as the company announces software piracy settlements with three Denver area resellers. The settlements, totaling $400,000, were made with 3B Technologies Inc., NetVision Inc. and Gateway USA Inc. (This company is different from, and not affiliated with, the publicly traded company Gateway. The settlements followed lawsuits filed by Microsoft in 1999 and 2000. Microsoft's anti-piracy hotline (1-800 RU-LEGIT) received reports concerning Gateway USA Inc. and 3B Technologies Inc. over a two- to three-year period. After comprehensive investigations, Microsoft filed suit against Gateway USA Inc. in July 1999, alleging the company's distribution of counterfeit end-user license agreements. Microsoft took legal actions against 3B Technologies Inc. in March 2000, alleging the company's distribution of counterfeit Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system, Windows NT® Workstation version 4.0 and Office 97 Professional Edition software. Additional investigations led Microsoft to file litigation against NetVision Inc. in March 2000 for the alleged distribution of counterfeit Microsoft Office 97 Professional Edition software.
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