We'll assume for the first time that you didn't know, and we'll send you that letter. And if you change and do things legally, you're off the hook, even though we could sue you.

It's very clear to us that our customers want to know if they've received the product they paid for, and it is gratifying to see that initiatives such as WGA, Microsoft's test purchase program and the piracy hotline are proving to be successful in helping to address this widespread problem.

Just this year, we instituted this. And it's been a really big success.

The lawsuits announced today are a necessary step to help ensure that those who knowingly and repeatedly violate known and widely accepted standards will not be given free rein to do so. We want to protect the business of honest resellers and try to ensure a level playing field for our partners.

Our honest partners have asked us to intervene to help protect those who abide by laws and rules governing software use and distribution. We want to protect the business of honest resellers and try to ensure a level playing field for our partners.