Verdict in a Connecticut suit lifts Microsoft defense team

Article Abstract:

A jury in Federal district Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut ruled that no antitrust laws were violated by Microsoft Corp. in its dealings with Bristol Technology Inc. Experts feel that the verdict may help Microsoft keep from being sued by other private firms for antitrust violations. However, the jury did find that Microsoft had violated a Connecticut law that prohibits 'deceptive practices,' such as making statements that are misleading to a business partner. But Bristol was awarded damages of only $1 by the jury. Bristol's suit stemmed from its contention that Microsoft new license terms constituted a 'bait-and-switch' tactic and were harmful to Bristol. Microsoft acknowledged that its license terms changed, but claimed that it was due to changes in business conditions.

Bristol Technology Inc.

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Microsoft's final antitrust case witness stumbles a bit

Article Abstract:

Richard L. Schmalensee appeared on Microsoft's behalf to offer a final refutation of the government's antitrust case against the software maker. One important issue in the case is whether Microsoft engaged in predatory pricing practices by including it's Internet Explorer browser for "free" with Windows 98. Mr. Schmalensee tried to make the case, by an analogy, that this was not an egregious instance of underselling a competitor to drive them out of business. Jundge Thomas P. Jackson questioned this conclusion. A Microsoft attorney, Michael Lacovar, made the point that since AOL has acquired Netscape, and plans to market it as part of their service, that Microsoft again faces competition for computer users' dollars from an equal adversary.

Testimony, Schmalensee, Richard L.

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