Wednesday 31 December 2014

Microsoft Sues India Firm for Trademark Infringement

Internet and operating system giant Microsoft has sued an Indian company along with several other entities alleging that they misused its name and registered trademarks while providing fraudulent technical support services to unsuspecting consumers.

Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month in federal court in the Central District of California for unfair and deceptive business practices and trademark infringement against C-Cubed Solutions, which is a "private business company formed under the laws of India", Omnitech Support based in California and Florida-based Anytime Techies along with two other individuals.

According to the lawsuit, C-Cubed is a "private company associated under the laws of India." Its directors include Marc Haberman, Rachel Eilat Haberman and Jay Wurzberger.

C-Cubed is a subsidiary of California-based Customer Focus Services (CFS) and "operates the mail server by which CFS' fraudulent technical support businesses communicate with customers," according to the lawsuit.

Microsoft is demanding a jury trial and seeking permanent injunction to restrain and enjoin the defendants from infringement of Microsoft's registered trademarks and from directly or indirectly engaging in false advertising or promotions regarding the quality or security of Microsoft software.

The technology giant alleged in the lawsuit that the defendants used and misused the Microsoft name and its registered trademarks without authorization in connection with the provision of phony technical support services.

Since May 2014, Microsoft has received over 65,000 customer complaints regarding fraudulent tech support scams. It said tech support scammers do not discriminate and will go after anyone and not surprisingly senior citizens have been among the most vulnerable.

No comments:

Post a Comment