Phu Tho Provincial Police have indicted five individuals, including four directors and one employee, for copyright and related rights infringement. The charges, filed on 14/7 under Article 225 of the Penal Code, stem from an investigation into the illegal installation of Microsoft software.

The defendants are: Bui Dac Anh Duong, 36, director of Athena Vietnam Information Systems Joint Stock Company; Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, 45, director of Song Lam Trading and Services Company Limited; Nguyen Van Hung, 37, an employee of Song Lam Trading and Services Company Limited; Dang Hung Cuong, 39, executive director of Tek-Solution Technology Solutions Company Limited; and Khuat Tien Minh, 36, director of Tek-Solution Technology Solutions Company Limited.

Five defendants in the case. *Photo by Police*

Initial investigation results revealed that the defendants employed illegal activation tools, specifically "crack" and "active" software, to install and use Microsoft software without authorization. This illicit software was found on hundreds of Thanh Giong branded computers, which were then supplied to businesses and agencies across many provinces. Police have determined that these actions constitute a clear infringement of Microsoft's copyright for its computer software.

The three companies implicated in the indictment are Song Lam Trading and Services Company Limited, Athena Vietnam Information Systems Joint Stock Company, and Tek-Solution Technology Solutions Company Limited.

From 2022 to 2026, these three companies collectively sold 13.956 computers to 509 entities, including various agencies, organizations, and individuals nationwide, generating a total revenue of 181 billion VND. During the same period, Thanh Giong Media and Computer Joint Stock Company also sold 53.000 computers to 730 organizations and individuals, with total sales reaching 450 billion VND. This case marks the first instance nationwide where individuals have been indicted in connection with computer software copyright infringement.

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

The indictments followed coordinated raids conducted by Phu Tho Provincial Police on 11/6 at multiple locations, where numerous devices and related documents were seized. Police noted that the illegal use of copyrighted software, such as the Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office suite, has been prevalent. Many individuals and organizations openly advertise, sell, or share pirated software on various platforms, including websites, technology forums, social media, and e-commerce sites.