Microsoft's "Keep IT Real" campaign targeting resellers of illegally copied software has claimed several more scalps.

Nine staff at Wendy Fair Markets Ltd, which operated Bovingdon Market in Hertfordshire, have been convicted of distributing unauthorised goods following several years of investigation by Trading Standards.

One person got 10 months in prison, three were fined and ordered to pay costs. The remaining five people will be sentenced later in the year. Microsoft helped provide forensic evidence which secured their convictions.

In a separate case, again helped by Microsoft, Page Computers owner David Lawrence was found guilty at Kettering Magistrates Court of hard disk loading MS software.

A further six resellers have also been caught with unauthorised copies of Microsoft products. They are: Systems-IT.com of Walsall, Corby Computers Ltd which traded as Easy2pc from Kettering, Twin-UK from Wear, Euro Computers based in Willenhall, APACS in Hemel Hempstead, and Phase 4 based in Harrogate. ®

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