Open-source proponents who advocate that software should be free from proprietary software licensing restrictions have criticized Microsoft for waging such a relentless legal fight against piracy and counterfeiting. However, Finn said the cases Microsoft is prosecuting around the world are typically not against individuals who may make a copy of Windows or Office and pass it on to their friends.

"We're talking about organized criminal syndicates who earn millions and millions of dollars by defrauding people all over the world," he said, adding that often the software they sell to unsuspecting buyers also contains malicious code.

The cases Microsoft and law-enforcement agencies pursue also are against people who cheat individuals and Microsoft partners that resell products legally, Finn said.