Microsoft steps up lobbying, donations to fight government's antitrust case
Article Abstract:
Computer software giant Microsoft Corp. is giving $1 million each to the Republican and Democratic national conventions as part of a $2.6 million gift-giving strategy in an effort to counter the federal government's antitrust actions. Microsoft has contributed money to various nonprofit organizations, such as the National Taxpayers Union, that oppose the antitrust lawsuit brought by the Justice Department and 19 states attorneys general. The taxpayers' group recently claimed that state workers' pension funds lost $38 billion in value due to the lawsuit. Government spokespeople say they will not be deterred in trying to break up Microsoft into two separate companies; Microsoft claims its contributions are part of the company's long-term commitment to civic action.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 2000
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Microsoft seeks changes in breakup plan; software maker takes aim at 'vagueness,' wants year to craft blueprint
Article Abstract:
Microsoft Corp. has requested changes to the federal government's proposed two-part breakup of the software company. The company has asked that it be allowed to submit a breakup plan within one year instead of the government's four-month proposal. Claiming the division of the company into two entities - one involved with operating systems and the other with Office products and the Internet - Microsoft said it would suffer "significant and damaging" consequences. The sitting judge, U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, is expected to rule within the next few days, however, if the government responds to Microsoft's brief, a ruling could be delayed.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 2000
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U.S. charges Microsoft seeks limits in trial
Article Abstract:
The Justice Department accused Microsoft of placing unreasonable pretrial limits on the landmark antitrust case scheduled to begin on Sep 8, 1998. One of the government's charges surrounds pretrial testimony by Microsoft Chmn Bill Gates. Microsoft responded by saying the government's Jul 31, 1998, District Court motion to gain access to the source code for Windows 95 and Windows 98 OS software did not provide adequate notice. Another Microsoft dispute involves the government's recent request for depositions from 17 executives. These maneuvers could delay the start of the trial, which Microsoft would welcome. An insider said that US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, who earlier voiced his frustration with the legal tactics, has asked both sides to confer with him in his chambers on Aug 11, 1998. The Justice Department's motion objected to Microsoft's demands for a single eight-hour deposition from Gates, saying it may need a second day to question him.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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