Microsoft has won a seven figure sum from a distributor found guilty of selling tens of thousands of items of dodgy software.

Netcom Distributors was found guilty of grey importing software from outside the European Economic Area, distributing unbundled and recycled certificates and distributing media kits to unlicensed users.

The company submitted to the judgement and agreed to the seven figure settlement.

Michala Wardell, head of anti-piracy at Microsoft UK, said: "This High Court win against Netcom underlines the progress Microsoft is making in its goal to stamp out software piracy and the detrimental effect it has on the channel. We cannot allow unscrupulous traders to spoil it for the thousands of resellers in the market who are genuine, honest businesses."

Wardell said Microsoft would continue to work to ensure that all players in the channel competed on an equal footing. ®