Judge rejects attempt by Microsoft to remove special master in U.S. action

Article Abstract:

Microsoft's attempt to remove special master Lawrence Lessig from its antitrust battle with the Justice Department was rejected by US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson. The judge's harshly worded order and pointed questions during the trial signal his loss of patience for Microsoft and its legal strategy. A Microsoft software developer also said under cross-examination that Chmn Bill Gates met with a small group of lawyers and software developers to organize the company's tough response to a court order limiting the marketing of its Internet software. Microsoft has challenged Jackson's appointment of Lessig, a Harvard University expert in Internet law appointed by Jackson as special master. Lessig explained the circumstances of an e-mail message to Microsoft rival Netscape, in which he likened installing Microsoft's Web software as 'selling his soul.' Lessig, in the written declaration, assured Jackson of his impartiality.

Company legal issue, Cases, Antitrust law, Antitrust Issue

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Microsoft, laden with cash, is using acquisitions to keep its growth strong

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Inc's successful marketing strategy is based on acquiring companies and individuals responsible for developing state-of-the-art technologies. Microsoft is most interested in spending some of its $9 billion in available cash on technologies that are compatible with Windows NT, and has promised to invest $400 million in outside developers of such products by Jun 1997. Microsoft's purchase of Vermeer Technologies in Jan 1996, for around $130 million in stock, is its largest acquisition between 1994 and 1996. Microsoft's interest in the small company is expected to dramatically increase sales of Vermeer's FrontPage software for creating Web sites. Companies such as Vermeer are often persuaded to deal with Microsoft above its competitors due to Microsoft's valuable stock, its abundance of liquid assets, and its profitable marketing and distribution operations.

Management, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Marketing, Company marketing practices, Company analysis, Vermeer Technologies Inc., Company Acquisition/Merger

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