Silicon Valley cuts donations to President over tort reform; money from computer industry drops by half

Article Abstract:

Political contributions from Silicon Valley firms to Pres Clinton's campaign have fallen in 1996 as much as 50% below 1992 levels, as the computer industry registers its disapproval of Clinton's veto of tort reform. Clinton wooed the computer industry in 1992, winning widespread support. However, the tort reform bill protects companies from shareholders' suits, and the volatile nature of the computer industry makes computer firms particularly susceptible to suits charging that companies issued inaccurate reports. Although Congress overrode Clinton's veto, the computer industry is testing the President by asking that he include software under a 1971 law that grants a 15% tax credit for master recordings of tapes, movies and records that are exported for reproduction abroad. Although there seems to be little objection to the move, the administration continues to say that it does not have the authority to make the change and that Congress must pass the legislation.

Finance, Forecasts and trends, Political activity, Industry trend, Clinton, Bill, Silicon Valley, Political issue, Activism, Political protest

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Microsoft presses its view about rivals' 3-way deal

Article Abstract:

In the antitrust case against Microsoft, the alliance between America Online, Netscape Communications and Sun Microsystems was brought up to point out the frivolities of suing Microsoft. It was stated that the cooperation of these three companies could easily be Microsoft's toughest competition on several different levels. If these companies are allowed to join and produce advanced software, internet applications, and Web browsers, then Microsoft really doesn't have as tight a hold on these markets as everyone thinks it does. One witness, Franklin M. Fisher, argued that Microsoft still had the only operating system on which to run any and all of these applications.

Legal issues & crime, On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Telegraph & other communications, Company legal issue, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Online services, Internet services, America Online Inc., AOL, Contracts, Sun Microsystems Inc., SUNW, MSFT, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP

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Antitrust in the slow lane

Article Abstract:

The Microsoft antitrust case has raised concerns over the government's role in regulating high technology industries. The main issue is the effect regulation has on this important sector of the U.S. economy that is fast moving and competitive. Rep. Dick Armey has drafted legislation, "An E-Contract with High-Tech America," that would try to prevent bureaucratic interference with these industries. More companies may opt to settle rather than face prolonged court battles.

Economic aspects, Laws, regulations and rules, Column, Technological innovations, Industry regulations, Government regulation of business, Trade regulation, Restraint of trade

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