Apple, Adobe, others join forces in software piracy lawsuit
Apple has partnered with Adobe and other software makers to take on a Web-based vendor accused of selling stolen software via Craigslist and a private website.
Apple and Adobe are joined by Autodesk and Rosetta Stone in the complaint against Florida resident Edy Jean Dollisme and the website ultimatepcrepairs.webs.com. The lawsuit accuses Dollisme of selling pirated software via Craigslist and the "Ultimate PC Repairs" website.
"Defendant has used various Craigslist seller identities and contact information to advertise his products on that site," the complaint reads. "Defendant also operates as Ultimate PC Repairs through his own web page located at ultimatepcrepairs.webs.com (the 'Ultimate PC Website'), where he offers over eighty (80) software titles for sale."
Available on the site are a long list of applications for both PC and Mac, including Apple's iLife and iWork suites, Final Cut and Snow Leopard. Also listed are Adobe's Creative Suite, Acrobat, and Illustrator.
Listed for Windows are Autodesk and Autocad, as well as Rosetta Stone. Numerous other applications are listed on the website from software makers that are not parties in the lawsuit, including Microsoft Office, Quicken and others.
"Notably, some or all of the infringing copies distributed by Defendant were in the form of burned (i.e., 'homemade') DVD+R and CD-R media, with the titles handwritten in marker," the complaint reads.
The website advertises that "many more" software titles are available upon request, and applications can be purchased via PayPal. The site makes no mention of Dollisme, but notes that the "Ultimate PC Repairs" business serves Dade, Broward and West Palm Beach counties in South Florida.
Apple and the other plaintiffs hope to prove in court that Dollisme and his alleged "Ultimate PC Repairs" website have engaged in copyright infringement in violation of U.S. law. The companies would like to see the website shut down, and for Dollisme to pay damages.
The lawsuit was filed on Feb. 3 in a U.S. District Court in the District of Connecticut. Representing the companies is the law firm Roche Pia LLC of Shelton, Conn.
Apple and Adobe are joined by Autodesk and Rosetta Stone in the complaint against Florida resident Edy Jean Dollisme and the website ultimatepcrepairs.webs.com. The lawsuit accuses Dollisme of selling pirated software via Craigslist and the "Ultimate PC Repairs" website.
"Defendant has used various Craigslist seller identities and contact information to advertise his products on that site," the complaint reads. "Defendant also operates as Ultimate PC Repairs through his own web page located at ultimatepcrepairs.webs.com (the 'Ultimate PC Website'), where he offers over eighty (80) software titles for sale."
Available on the site are a long list of applications for both PC and Mac, including Apple's iLife and iWork suites, Final Cut and Snow Leopard. Also listed are Adobe's Creative Suite, Acrobat, and Illustrator.
Listed for Windows are Autodesk and Autocad, as well as Rosetta Stone. Numerous other applications are listed on the website from software makers that are not parties in the lawsuit, including Microsoft Office, Quicken and others.
"Notably, some or all of the infringing copies distributed by Defendant were in the form of burned (i.e., 'homemade') DVD+R and CD-R media, with the titles handwritten in marker," the complaint reads.
The website advertises that "many more" software titles are available upon request, and applications can be purchased via PayPal. The site makes no mention of Dollisme, but notes that the "Ultimate PC Repairs" business serves Dade, Broward and West Palm Beach counties in South Florida.
Apple and the other plaintiffs hope to prove in court that Dollisme and his alleged "Ultimate PC Repairs" website have engaged in copyright infringement in violation of U.S. law. The companies would like to see the website shut down, and for Dollisme to pay damages.
The lawsuit was filed on Feb. 3 in a U.S. District Court in the District of Connecticut. Representing the companies is the law firm Roche Pia LLC of Shelton, Conn.
Comments
Douche bag criminals!
This is exactly why software cost so much $$$. If people would just legitimately pay for the software they use, it would bring down the cost for all.
And it causes global warming too.
This is exactly why software cost so much $$$. If people would just legitimately pay for the software they use, it would bring down the cost for all.
That's where I see Apple's new Mac App Store having some potential. Cuts down on piracy (and distribution difficulties) enabling software companies to sell more copies for less money per unit.
This guy is an idiot
And with a girls name strangely enough.
I'm guessing this is one "special" individual.
And with a girls name strangely enough.
I'm guessing this is one "special" individual.
Its a french name. He may be hatian.
Evidently they have.
When I emailed him and asked him how he could offer Adobe CS3 for $99 when it's $1000 everywhere else. He said it was a special promotion with Adobe. I said, so if I come in there and buy it those disks are going to be genuine? He said yes. Then I said, do you mind if I bring a police officer with me? Never heard anything again.
And with a girls name strangely enough.
It's a guy's name, actually, except in the USA. Talk about a "special" country
Jean is the French equivalent of John, and a King's name...
The person is a total and complete moron. I worked with Adobe's lawyers and Apple 3 years ago emailing them every Craigslist posting in Dallas. He also apparently rented out a small PC repair store in my area.
When I emailed him and asked him how he could offer Adobe CS3 for $99 when it's $1000 everywhere else. He said it was a special promotion with Adobe. I said, so if I come in there and buy it those disks are going to be genuine? He said yes. Then I said, do you mind if I bring a police officer with me? Never heard anything again.
Thanks. That made me smile.
It will be interesting if they maintained a customer database, and offer it as part of a settlement.
Caveat emptor.
No arrest?
Since it is a civil case, not criminal, no one will get arrested.
This is exactly why software cost so much $$$. If people would just legitimately pay for the software they use, it would bring down the cost for all.
Yes, and insurance went down once everyone was required to get it. My cable bill got cheaper once everyone got that too.
That's where I see Apple's new Mac App Store having some potential. Cuts down on piracy (and distribution difficulties) enabling software companies to sell more copies for less money per unit.
Just like movies and TV shows and music and ... all have gotten less expensive in digital downloads. Mmm hmm....