In an unusual reversal of roles for Microsoft, the software giant is being sued by a Philippine training college for copyright piracy.
Southeastern College alleges that Microsoft illegally copied and distributed the school's training manual on the use of Microsoft Office XP software in 2004.
It filed a lawsuit on Monday in the Makati City regional trial court seeking 102 million pesos (HK$19.2 million) in losses and damages, noting that Microsoft 'prides itself as the protector of intellectual property [that] vigorously goes after infringers no matter how small'.
No one at Microsoft Philippines was available for comment. But it denied the charges and, in remarks to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a spokesman for the firm said the lawsuit 'disappointed' it.
'They brought this matter to our attention a year ago, and we worked hard to resolve it, but without success,' the firm said, adding that this was 'a purely local matter' not involving the parent company.
The school demanded that the firm hand over allegedly pirated discs, issue an apology and shoulder its legal fees of 2 million pesos.
Southeastern College, in metropolitan Manila, offers a course in information and communication technology.
