How can consumers and businesses recognize counterfeit or misused legitimate COAs?
MacNaughton: We offer the How to Tell Web site ( www.microsoft.com/howtotell ) to help people determine if their software is legitimate. This includes information on how to tell if a COA label is real or bogus. For example, with standalone software, the COA label is affixed on top of the packaging. The right side of the label should contain a transparent circle — a transparent porthole — with paper fibers around the inside edge and a metallic thread. The word “GENUINE” should be visible on the thread. The background surrounding the porthole should contain the words “RETAIL COA” in blue letters on a white background, displayed in a distorted curve. An easy way to check the authenticity of this type of COA is to gently rip the edge of the label. The thread is interwoven into the fibers of legitimate labels, not printed on top. PressPass: How can people determine if they have software with a legitimate but improperly matched COA or another form of counterfeit software? MacNaughton: If a
