Its trial on hold, Microsoft maps out its options

Article Abstract:

The lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice against Microsoft Corp. is on a six-week hiatus, giving the Redmond, Washington-based software maker time to consider various ways of resolving its antitrust case. Microsoft. whose credibility was attacked by federal prosecutors, is looking at settlement options as well as a possible appeal if the court rules against the company. If the company was to agree to a settlement, it would have to contend with private suits since a consent decree may be cited as admission of charges. Additionally, any settlement would have to be approved by the 19 states participating in the case. If Microsoft appealed an unfavorable ruling, it would do so based on copyright law. Legal advisors claim the software concern has the right to prevent alterations to its products, a defense that would require that the appeals court consider both intellectual-rights and antitrust law.

Antitrust law, Abstract

---

Microsoft official concedes company sought to restrict web-browser choices

Article Abstract:

In the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp., Vice President Cameron Myhrvold testified that his company had imposed contract restrictions on Internet service providers in order to limit consumers' choice of Web browsers. In exchange for favorable placement on the Microsoft operating system's desktop screen, service providers agreed to not to tell customers that they could choose between Netscape Communications Corp.'s browser and Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Myhrvold agreed with federal attorney David Boies that his company was concerned that, given a choice, consumers would select Netscape's browser. The contracts also stipulated that distribution restrictions be placed on Netscape's Web software, which in the government's view supported their case against the Redmond, Washington software concern.

Testimony, Myhrvold, Cameron

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Microsoft's net outpaces expectations. Microsoft says results to top expectations. Microsoft net, profit margins climb sharply
• Abstracts: As big as Microsoft: ribbing Gates. Microsoft's chief salesman named second in command; Gates to hand over some responsibilities
• Abstracts: A few clicks, and Microsoft has a problem. U.S. assails Microsoft and seeks new oversight role. U.S. tells court Microsoft breaks antitrust accord: $1 million a day sought: maker denies charge, saying rules on Windows system conforms to agreement
• Abstracts: Microsoft puts focus on usage of Netscape. Microsoft wins a battle in antitrust war
• Abstracts: Netscape jolts Web by allying with Excite Inc. Infoseek, Disney unit to launch new Internet site

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.