Symantec Awarded $12 Million Judgment in Counterfeit Software Case

Damage Amount Against Interplus One of Largest Ever for a Symantec Anti-Piracy Complaint

• Press Release
• Source: Symantec
• On Wednesday December 17, 2008, 8:00 am EST

CUPERTINO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec 17, 2008 -- Symantec Corp. (NasdaqGS:SYMC - News) today announced it was awarded $12 million in damages against a distributor selling counterfeit Symantec software throughout North America. The ruling constitutes one of the largest single judgments awarded to Symantec in a software piracy case.

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The verdict was handed down by the United State District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles in favor of Symantec against Carmelo Cerrelli of Interplus Online, a Canadian-based organization selling software in the United States and Canada.

"The size of the judgment against Interplus indicates how big their operation was throughout North America," said Marc Brandon, director, Symantec Global Brand Protection. "We were particularly encouraged by the Court's finding that the infringement was willful, so that Interplus' owner, Mr. Cerrelli, faces heightened personal exposure. Shutting down their ability to move counterfeit Symantec software is a tremendous step towards protecting unsuspecting end-users from the security threats posed by counterfeit software."

The case was filed in civil court and included claims from Symantec alleging that Interplus engaged in copyright and trademark infringement involving Symantec products such as Norton SystemWorks, Norton AntiVirus, Norton Ghost, and Symantec pcAnywhere.

About Symantec

Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please visit the Symantec News Room at http://www.symantec.com/news. All prices noted are in U.S. dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec and the Symantec Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

     CONTACT:
     Cris Paden
     Symantec Corp.
     408/517-8547
     cpaden@symantec.com
      
     Mike Bradshaw
     Connect Public Relations
     801/373-7888
     mikeb@connectpr.com