Microsoft has stirred controversy in the past week by passing a bill (PDF) in its main state of Washington, as well as proposals in Oregon (PDF), New York, and several other states, that could make firms liable for pirated software use by their suppliers. The move would let Microsoft or anyone else sue a US company if one of its contractors uses pirated content to make, market, or ship a product. In Washington, Microsoft could seek triple damages or a ban on a company's products if the case went to trial.
