Consumer News: Don’t let scammers steal your holiday cheer

Microsoft says it will appeal the ruling, which strikes at the heart of its business model

UK tribunal says Microsoft licenses can be legally resold
Ruling rejects Microsofts copyright claim; company plans to appeal
Decision clears path for resellers 270M damages case to proceed

Microsoft says it will challenge a decision by the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) that strikes at the heart of its long-standing restrictions on reselling software licenses. The tribunal ruled that perpetual licenses for products such as Windows and Microsoft Office can legally be resoldrejecting Microsofts argument that such activity infringes its copyright.

The case dates back to 2021, when UK reseller ValueLicensing sued Microsoft over contractual terms that barred customers from reselling previously issued licenses. The reseller argued that these restrictions violated the principles of the European Software Directive and had cost the company millions in lost revenue.

Microsoft initially fought the claim on contractual grounds, but later advanced a copyright infringement theory. Because Office programs include interface elements such as icons and graphics, the company argued they should be treated as original artistic works, making license resale a copyright violation.

Judges dismissed that argument, saying the presence of such graphics does not convert software licenses into copyrighted creative works that restrict resale. Customers holding perpetual licenses are free to resell them, the tribunal saidechoing a decade-old precedent set in the UKs UsedSoft case.

The ruling could make it easier and cheaper for UK consumers and businesses to obtain Windows 11 or Office through the secondary market if it holds up on appeal.

ValueLicensing says decision validates its business

ValueLicensing has always believed it was running a legitimate business underpinned by the principles of the European Software Directive and the UsedSoft judgment at the ECJ, the companys managing director said following the ruling. This judgment confirms these principles, which legitimately allowed ValueLicensing to save its customers money on used Microsoft software.

The company said it now plans to refocus on the core of its lawsuit, which seeks damages for what it alleges were unlawful restrictions that hampered its business.

Case moves to damages phase and more litigation awaits

With the copyright argument dismissed, Microsoft will need a new defense as the lawsuit proceeds. If it ultimately loses, the company could face millions in damages to ValueLicensing.

But the financial risk doesnt end there. Microsoft is also tied up in a separate, similar class-action suit alleging abuse of market dominance and anti-competitive licensing practicesexposure that could reach into the billions.

For a company long accustomed to accusations of restrictive contracts and inflated pricing, the latest rulings add to a familiar pattern of legal headaches. Yet with Microsofts valuation supercharged by the AI boom, the litigation may amount to little more than a costly distraction for the tech giant.

New ADT insights reveal how common shortcuts leave families more vulnerable than we think

• Many common home-security habits like relying on fake cameras or leaving doors unlocked offer comfort, not real protection.

• New ADT data shows 72% of people who use these shortcuts admit theyre only occasionally effective at preventing theft or break-ins.

• Experts say upgrading to real, connected security devices with professional monitoring is the best way to keep your home truly safe.

When it comes to protecting our homes, many of us lean on habits that feel smart but dont actually keep us safer.

Maybe youve stuck a fake camera above the garage, rely on a Protected by sign from a hardware store, or assume nothing bad will happen if you leave the front door unlocked just this once.

Outdated methods of home protection

According to new ADT data, these shortcuts may be doing more harm than good.

The numbers are eye-opening: 38% of Americans use decoy security items, and another 38% admit they regularly or occasionally leave their front door unlocked. Even more striking, 72% of people who depend on these habits say theyre only sometimes effective at preventing break-ins or theft.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Jimmy Lin, Vice President of Product Management at ADT to learn more about these behaviors and how consumers can actually stay safe.

Criminals know whats fake

According to Lin, these methods are increasingly less effective as criminals learn the common decoys and safe-ish security habits.

They can often spot a fake camera or notice when a sign doesnt match the equipment on the house which can identify your house as an even bigger target, he said. And with the false sense of security they provide, homeowners can neglect important measures like locking doors and windows, leaving them at risk.

Lin explained that homeowners are ultimately the ones at risk when they opt for these types of safety measures.

The biggest risk with using safe-ish practices is thinking you're protected when you're not, Lin said. It can lead people to let their guard down, delay real action, or ignore signs of vulnerability. Our research found that 72% of people who rely on these kinds of habits admit theyre only occasionally effective, proving its not worth the risk.

Prioritize safety

Homeowners are encouraged to adopt real, trusted security measures to ensure safety in their homes.

To be truly safe, replace decoys with real, connected devices from a trusted security brand, Lin said. Complete with indoor and outdoor security cameras, door and window sensors, security alarms, and motion sensors, a full security system especially one with 24/7 professional monitoring is the best way to keep you and your home safe at all times.

Security systems also allow you to have alerts whether its for motion detection, package delivery, or an open door, so you know whats happening in real time."

Will your weeknight spaghetti get a price hike?

• The U.S. may hike tariffs on certain Italian pasta brands to about 107% as early as January 2026

• Big names like Rummo, Garofalo, La Molisana, and Italian-made Barilla could see sharp price jumps or exit the U.S. market

• Check Product of Italy, lightly stock up on favorites, and test cheaper store-brand or U.S.-made backups now

The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed massive new tariffs on Italian pasta that would push total tariffs as high as 107% on imports from 13 big Italian companies.

Right now, Italian pasta from the EU already pays a 15% tariff. Commerces preliminary findings would tack on another 92%. The claim is that these Italian companies are dumping pasta in the U.S. at less than market value, undercutting American pasta manufacturers.

If the proposal sticks, tariffs could kick in as early as January 2026, once Commerce finalizes its decision (deadline is around Jan. 2, 2026).

Whos on the hook?

The 13 companies on the preliminary list include some very recognizable names:

• La Molisana
• Pasta Garofalo
• Rummo
• Barilla (Italian-made lines; U.S-made Barilla is much less affected)
• Agritalia
• Aldino
• Antiche Tradizioni Di Gragnano
• Gruppo Milo
• Pastificio Artigiano Cav. Giuseppe Cocco
• Pastificio Chiavenna
• Pastificio Liguori
• Pastificio Sgambaro
• Pastificio Tamma

Italy exported roughly $680700 million worth of pasta to the U.S. last year, about 12% of the U.S. pasta market, and much of the higher-end bronze-cut/gourmet stuff consumers associate with real Italian pasta.

Some of these brands are already warning they may pull out of the U.S. market if the full 107% tariff hits, because the math simply doesnt work.

Importers have thrown out examples like a $3.99 box jumping to $7.99 if the tariffs get passed through.

Is this final, or maybe news?

The White House is already downplaying pasta is disappearing headlines, saying the duty is just a proposal and that companies still have several months to provide data before anything becomes final.

That said, several Italian companies and trade groups are treating this as very real as some are planning to exit the U.S. market starting in 2026 if nothing changes. Also, the EUs trade chief has publicly said hes working with Italy to fight the tariffs.

What shoppers can do now

Check where your pasta is made. Flip the box and look for Product of Italy. The proposed duties hit certain Italian brands; U.S.-made and most store brands arent in the same danger zone.

Lightly stock up on favorites. If youre loyal to a specific Italian brand (Rummo, Garofalo, La Molisana, etc.), grab a few extra boxes now. Buying a couple of months worth could be smart, but not an entire bunkers worth.

Test cheaper backups. Try your store brand or a U.S.-made option now so you already know a backup you like if prices jump.

Watch unit prices, not just sale tags. If tariffs kick in, sales may just be discounts off a higher regular price. The price-per-ounce line you see on the shelf is your real comparison tool.

Basketball and football also are close behind

• New analysis finds cycling, basketball, and football lead the nation in ER-treated sports injuries
• Cycling alone sent more than 450,000 riders to the hospital in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year
• Legal experts warn youth and amateur leagues often fail to protect participants from liability risks

Cycling has officially become Americas most dangerous sport, according to a new study by Florida-based Anidjar & Levine Personal Injury Lawyers. The two-year analysis found that cyclists suffered 859,696 emergency room-treated injuries in 2023 and 2024more than any other sport.

The firms researchers combined total injury counts, year-over-year changes, and injury rates per 100,000 participants to develop a Sports Danger Score. Cyclings score of 88.22 put it well ahead of basketball and football, which ranked second and third.

The data show cycling injuries climbed from 405,688 in 2023 to more than 454,000 in 2024, a 12% increase. With an injury rate of 133 per 100,000 riders, the sports risks stem from collisions, high-speed falls, and limited physical protection.

Cycling presents unique legal challenges because incidents often involve multiple parties, from motorists to municipalities responsible for road conditions, said Marc Anidjar, founding senior partner of the firm. Riders need to understand their rights and the liability landscape, especially when infrastructure fails to provide adequate safety measures.

Basketball and football also rank high

Basketball placed second on the danger list, with 718,168 total injuries over the two-year span. The sports injury rate of 113 per 100,000 participants reflects its fast pace and frequent player contact. Injuries jumped 16% year-over-year, from 332,391 in 2023 to 385,777 in 2024.

In organized basketball, from youth leagues to adult recreational programs, the question of liability often centers on supervision and facility maintenance, Anidjar said. Determining whether proper safety protocols were followed becomes the key legal question.

Football, long known for its physical toll, ranked third with 581,828 injuries and a Sports Danger Score of 67.12. It also recorded the largest growth among the top three sportsinjuries surged 21% between 2023 and 2024.

Football organizations, particularly at the youth and high school levels, face increasing scrutiny over concussion protocols and equipment standards, Anidjar noted. The question isnt just whether injuries happen, but whether organizers took reasonable steps to prevent them.

Soccer and skating round out top five

Soccer ranked fourth with 478,184 injuries, up 25% from 2023. Skating, which includes skateboarding, roller skating, and scooter use, rounded out the top five with 660,544 injuriesa 27% rise in one year. Both sports had relatively lower injury rates per participant but showed rapid growth in overall ER visits.

Recreational leagues and public facilities often operate with minimal oversight and unclear liability, said Anidjar. Waivers dont always hold up in court if a facility was poorly maintained or supervision was inadequate.

Legal protections often fall short

Anidjar warned that many amateur and youth sports organizations lack adequate safety standards, insurance, and legal compliance. Liability and safety regulations vary widely across sports, he said. Informed consent requires more than a signatureparticipants need to understand the specific risks and what happens if they get hurt.

He added that organizations must ensure proper equipment, qualified supervision, and adherence to established safety rules. When these elements are missing, legal liability becomes a very real concern.

The top 10 most dangerous sports in America

Methodology

The analysis used data from the National Safety Councils Injury Facts database for 2023 and 2024, focusing on emergency department-treated sports injuries. The Sports Danger Score combined total injuries, annual changes, and injury rates per 100,000 participants, with a higher score indicating greater risk.

Credit: Data and analysis courtesy of Anidjar & Levine Personal Injury Lawyers.