This is the first copyright infringement case nationwide involving computer software, according to Phu Tho Provincial Police on 11/6.

Investigators are expanding the case to clarify the actions of individuals involved concerning copyright and related rights infringement, under Article 225 of the Penal Code.

Police conduct a search at Song Lam Trading and Services Company. *Photo: Police provided*.

Phu Tho police reported a recent prevalence of unauthorized use of copyrighted computer software products, specifically Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office suites. Many individuals exploited websites, technology forums, social media, and e-commerce platforms to advertise, sell, and share pirated software versions.

In their initial investigation, police identified Song Lam Trading and Services Company Limited, directed by Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, as having supplied 81 computers to various businesses and entities in the area. These computers came pre-installed with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software.

These installations used illegal activation tools like cracks, pirated keys, and activators to disable manufacturers' copyright protection mechanisms for unauthorized use.

Police search the workplace of Khuat Tien Minh, Director of Tek-solution Technology Solutions Company Limited, Hanoi. *Photo: Police provided*.

Further inspections at a local educational institution revealed an additional 350 school-managed computers exhibiting similar signs of illegal software activation. Athena Vietnam Information Systems Company Limited and Tek-solution Technology Solutions Company Limited supplied all these computers.

During the expanded investigation, police also conducted an urgent search of the workplace and computer assembly area of Lai Hoang Duong, Chairman of the Board of Directors and legal representative of Thanh Giong Media and Computer Joint Stock Company. This entity supplied computers and software suspected of using illegal activation tools such as cracks, pirated keys, and activators to bypass manufacturer copyright protection for unauthorized use by Athena Vietnam and Tek-solution Technology Solutions Company Limited.

According to investigators, the market value of legitimate Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite licenses ranges from 4 to 9 million VND per computer set. Consequently, the direct damages to copyright holders from the detected infringing machines are estimated at tens of billions of VND.

Inspecting equipment at Thanh Giong Media and Computer Joint Stock Company. *Photo: Police provided*.

However, police assess that the actual damages extend beyond the misappropriated license value, severely impacting product research and development. These are long-term losses, difficult to quantify fully in monetary terms.