Vietnam files first criminal case over pirated Windows, Microsoft Office software

The provincial Department of Public Security announced on Thursday that its investigative police agency had officially initiated criminal proceedings for copyright and related rights infringement under Article 225 of the Penal Code.

As part of the investigation, police conducted emergency searches at five locations in Hanoi and Phu Tho Province linked to companies engaged in supplying computers and installing software.

The case marks the first criminal prosecution nationwide related to the unauthorized use of copyrighted computer software.

The move demonstrates the provincial police’s determination to combat intellectual property violations in the digital environment.

According to the department, the economic police division identified suspicious activities involving Song Lam Trading and Service Co., Ltd., based in Nong Trang Ward.

The company, managed by Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, 45, was found to have supplied 81 computers to various firms and organizations across the province.

Inspections revealed that the computers had been pre-installed with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software allegedly activated through unauthorized methods.

Software-cracking tools, illegal product keys, and activation programs were used to bypass copyright protection mechanisms and enable unlawful use of the software.

Further inspections at an educational institution in the province uncovered an additional 350 computers showing similar signs of illegal software activation.

These computers had previously been supplied by Athena Vietnam Information System JSC and Tek-Solution Technology Solution Company, both based in Hanoi.

According to investigators, the licensing fees of Windows and Microsoft Office range between VND4 million and VND9 million (US$151-$341) per computer.

Based on the number of devices identified during the investigation, direct losses to copyright holders are estimated to amount to tens of billions of Vietnamese dong.

Authorities noted that the impact extends beyond the loss of licensing revenue.

Copyright infringement can undermine research and development efforts, weaken intellectual property protection, distort fair competition, and negatively affect the legitimate rights and interests of software developers and rights holders.

Police emphasized that installing, using, or distributing unlicensed software constitutes copyright infringement under Vietnam’s intellectual property laws.

Investigators also warned of significant cybersecurity risks associated with illegally activated software.

Such software may contain malicious code or spyware, increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information belonging to agencies, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Officers are expanding the probe into the case.

US$1 = VND26,325