Microsoft files denials in antitrust suit; in another pretrial salvo, Government seeks deposition by Gates
Article Abstract:
Microsoft formally blasted the Government's antitrust case against it, saying the sweeping suit filed by the Justice Department and 20 states in May 1998 lacks merit. The first court papers filed by Microsoft also indicate part of its legal strategy for the Federal District Court trial scheduled to start on Sep 8, 1998, in Washington. The Government, meanwhile, is seeking a videotaped pretrial deposition from Microsoft Chmn and co-Founder William H. Gates, according to an attorney insider. Microsoft denied any wrongdoing in all of the key Government allegations. An example is the bundling of its browsing software and OS, which Microsoft said it has planned as early as late 1993 and early 1994. By that time, Netscape Communications had yet to be founded. Microsoft defended the development of its Internet Explorer browser and inclusion of browsing capabilities in its Windows 95 OS. The company also rejected Government claims of attempting to seize the browser market with Netscape.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Microsoft fires first salvo in antitrust fight with U.S.; software maker seeks 7 months to prepare
Article Abstract:
Microsoft asked US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson to schedule a hearing in Dec 1998, so it can prepare for antitrust suits filed against the software maker by the Justice Dept and 20 state Attorneys General. By comparison, Justice will ask Jackson to begin by Jul 1998, accusing Microsoft of attempting to delay the case and let a rapidly evolving software industry render the legal issues moot. The differences are rooted in the Government's request for a preliminary injunction that would force Microsoft either to remove its Internet Explorer Web browser from its Windows 98 OS or add Netscape's Navigator browser on Windows 98. The Government also seeks to give PC manufacturers more latitude in modifying Windows 98. Legal experts did not reach a consensus in predicting Jackson's timetable, but few believed Microsoft would receive a seven-month delay.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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