OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed into law a bill aimed at protecting companies from competitors who use stolen information technology to develop their products.
The bill was Microsoft’s top legislative priority this year as the company fights software and hardware piracy coming out of Asia and Latin America.
The new law will allow a company to sue businesses that use stolen or misappropriated information technology to manufacture products sold in Washington state. The state also may pursue legal action in such cases.
Retail companies like Wal-Mart have opposed the idea, fearing it could draw them into costly litigation if one of their overseas suppliers is found to have used stolen IT.
Microsoft representatives have said the bill will provide incentives for manufacturers to ensure their technology is acquired legally.
