Microsoft and Adobe in Federal court over software piracy claims

Microsoft and Adobe have brought a claim in the Federal Court against Super Radio Network and its founder Bill Caralis claiming copyright infringement reports Fairfax Media. In a statement of claim filed Monday, the two software companies allege several of Mr Caralis' radio stations infringed copyright by using unlicensed versions of their software.

Adobe has alleged that two radio stations in Dubbo, 2DU and Zoo FM, authorised the installation of unlicensed copies of the Adobe audio editing program "Audition" on their computers from at least June 2008 to May 2012.

In a second case, Microsoft is claiming that 2DU and Zoo FM infringed copyright by installing numerous unlicensed versions of the Windows operating system, in addition to installing multiple versions of Office. Two other radio stations in Young, 2LF and Roccy FM, are also alleged to have installed no less than four unlicensed copies of Windows.

Microsoft and Adobe's lawyers are expected to rely on as evidence an email allegedly explaining how to commit piracy dated December 14, 2005. Written by Super Radio Network's head technician Allan Bone, the email explains to a staff member how to use a "crack" that disables Microsoft’s copyright protections on Windows.
The email reads: "as you know, m*cro$oft has started a validation program which basically will discontinue your windows update and security patches if you did not actually paid for your copy of MS Windows Operating System or if you installed an after market copy that was not paid for [sic]," Mr Bone writes in the email. "With this crack, you can once again keep updating your windows and the security patches."

The two software giants are pursuing an injunction to restrain the use of the allegedly unlicensed software. They are also seeking damages or an account of profits and want the allegedly unlicensed software destroyed. Adobe and Microsoft have also initiated a separate lawsuit against 25 of Mr Caralis' other stations.
 

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