Liskeard businesses could face ruin if international computer software giant Microsoft continues its legal action against a local trader, it was claimed this week. And, says Stephen Core of Red Inc in Baytree Hill, the effects could spread further afield as the company seeks to identify and pursue companies and individuals who, it claims, have bought counterfeit software. Mr Core's concerns have been taken up by South East Cornwall MP Colin Breed, who has written to Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling saying it seems 'against all natural justice' that Mr Core, despite dealing in good faith with his suppliers, should be pursued by Microsoft, with its huge resources, for a compensation claim which will quite simply put his business into liquidation. Mr Core has run his business for about ten years supplying computers and software to a range of businesses and individuals, including local authorities and the health services, building up a reputation for honesty of which he is proud. So he was horrified when he learned that one of his suppliers had been prosecuted by Microsoft for copyright infringement through selling counterfeit software. Now he is being threatened with legal action himself, and says that if he bows to the company's threats, not only will he be forced out of business but he will be obliged, in the same way as his suppliers were when they settled out of court with Microsoft, to supply the names of all his customers so that they too can be pursued and prosecuted. Mr Core says he bought Microsoft's Windows 98 operating systems in good faith from a distribution firm, paying the full market price to ensure the legality of the products with which he in turn supplied his customers. He was shocked to learn that the company had settled out of court with Microsoft and agreed to pay substantial damages as well as providing a list of its customers. Now he has been told by Microsoft's legal representatives to pay £18,000 and supply them with a list of his customers – or face court action. 'They are looking to establish another link in their food chain,' said Mr Core. 'I bought from my suppliers in good faith and did everything I could to ensure its legality, but they are determined to follow this through. I can't afford to defend myself against someone like Microsoft, but I'm not prepared to simply give in to them. 'In spite of having done nothing wrong, the law of copyright says they can claim compensation from me. The damage that could be done by Microsoft could close this town down!' Mr Breed said it appeared Microsoft were abusing their power by intimidating businessmen like Mr Core and possibly his customers. 'They should be working together to deal with this sort of crime rather than pursuing this witch-hunt, which has to be stopped. There has to be a better way than intimidation and bullying.'