News
Parallel importer says Microsoft should do more
Scott Bicheno Oct 2 2007, 11:52am
Comments (4)
Pyramid Distribution says Microsoft should offer more assistance to prevent companies from "falling into the trap"
Following its high court settlement with Microsoft for selling software deemed to have been parallel imported, Pyramid Distribution MD James Cooke has spoken to PC Retail to say he thinks Microsoft could do more to prevent companies like his unwittingly selling product they shouldn't.
"We believe more assistance is needed from Microsoft to assist companies like Pyramid Distribution from falling into the trap of unknowingly dealing in software, which has been parallel imported," he said.
Parallel importing involves buying products in countries where the the selling price is lower then the UK, then selling them on in the UK. While admitting culpability, Cooke defended his right to cut prices. "Microsoft criticised us for selling imported goods at reduced prices, however, Pyramid remains fully committed to offering its customers the lowest prices around, within the ambit of the law," he said.
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Comments
“Parallel imports”
Posted by: Jim - Oct 2, 2:51pm
Perhaps parallel importing wouldn't happen if someone told Microsoft the the exchange rate isn't $1=£1. I think it is high time that the EU took Microsoft to Court for using its monopolistic position and its closed-minded licencing to impose and enforce large mark-ups in price. Is there any real reason that a product sold in the UK should be 60% dearer than the same product sold elsewhere.
Do you also realise that if you take your laptop from the UK to the USA, you are no longer licenced to switch it on and use Windows without buying another licence!
“Re: Parallel imports”
Posted by: Legit Distie - Oct 2, 3:26pm
This isn't the 1st time that Pyramid Distribution has been caught 'unwittingly' is it - why should the legitimate majority be put out of pocket by the minority of chancers - the worst thing is that Pyramid are probably still better off even after the out of court settlement - not really a great deterrent is it.
“Re: Parallel imports”
Posted by: Richard - Oct 2, 4:43pm
Ubuntu Linux is the same price all over the world. Time for us all to switch?
“Re: Parallel imports”
Posted by: Arthur Mix - Oct 4, 12:55am
A few years ago the law would have been on Pyramid's side. But then a European Court ruling in a case bet******vi & Tesco messed it up for parallel importers and gave the go-ahead for Microsoft to ruthlessly enforce it's unfair pricing policy in Europe .
European law needs reshaping with clear political direction to stop Microsoft exploiting European Trademark and Copyright legislation which keeps software prices high in Europe.