Microsoft recently claimed that the “La Familia” Mexican drug cartel is peddling counterfeit Microsoft Office suite software in Mexico and using the profits of those sales to help fund its drug trade and other illegal activities. Microsoft claims it found the cartel’s “FMM” mark stamped on the counterfeit software packages. “Microsoft may struggle to prevent the duplication of copyrighted software in this instance, because Mexican officials have been engaged in a deadly, ongoing war with the cartels,” says Keli Johnson, an attorney with Scott & Scott, LLP. “Although the Mexican government likely is willing to work with U.S. officials to crack down on software piracy and copyright infringement, such enforcement efforts have taken a back seat to prevention of other criminal activities that have been ripping apart the country.” For more information, please contact Ms. Johnson at 800-596-6176 or KJohnson@scottandscottllp.com.