Microsoft Office, Windows and Visio Software Alerts – Refurbished computers must be valid and legit

Introduction

One thing that sometimes pops up when we are handling software audits is a company is charged with illegally using software on refurbished computers   The company will claim, for example, that they purchased the rehab computer from BestBuy who may sell refurbished goods from Joy or Micro Systems computers.  If the refurbishing company is part of the Microsoft MAR program, typically they would refurbish the computer (make some cosmetic changes, add RAM, change out the process, basically anything besides changing out the motherboard), and you will get a new Certificate of Authenticity (“COA”).  As long as the license is validly transferred and FOLLOWED, and you have the COA that shows the computer, laptop, PC was properly refurbished by a Microsoft MAR member, in most cases that and the proof of purchase will evidence your software compliance.

Use this search tool to find out a Microsoft MAR member.

Attorney Steve discusses refurbished computers and the need to ensure you are dealing with an authorized refurbisher and that the office, windows and other licenses are valid.

VIDEO:  Click on the picture above to view the video on this legal topic.  

Resources

1.  Microsoft MAR fact sheet
2.  Microsoft refurbisher directory
3. Microsoft refurbisher licensing guide

Contact a Software Audit and Copyright Infringement Law Firm

Our intellectual property law firm can help your business survive software piracy infringement cases, audits with the Business Software Alliance, Autodesk (ex. Revit, Maya, Inventor, and Autocad) and other major software vendors such as Solidworks, CNC Mastercam, Vero Software and Microsoft.

We also help with satellite and cable TV piracy claims dealing with restaurants and bars illegally intercepting TV signals and cable pay per view boxing and ultimate fight championships with rights holders such as JJ Sports or Joe Hand.  Call us at (877) 276-5084 for a free initial consultation.  We offer low FLAT RATE legal fees (predictable fees) for most non-litigation cases.  Call for details.