Microsoft Seeks to Block Government Charges in Antitrust Trial

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corporation is asking a judge to block Government lawyers from raising charges concerning its relations with Intel Corporation, Apple Computer Inc., and others at its forthcoming antitrust trial. The software giant argues that it cannot properly defend itself against all the charges, given the time constraints imposed by District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson. Microsoft will argue that it needs all 12 of its allotted witnesses to defend itself against charges that it abused its monopoly power by tying its Internet Explorer browser to the Windows 98 operating system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is seeking to block Government charges involving Intel, Apple, Real Networks, and others in its antitrust trial.
  • The company argues that the new allegations transform the case and require more time for preparation and argument.
  • Microsoft contends that it needs all 12 of its allotted witnesses to defend itself against the charges.
  • The Government maintains that the charges only illustrate the anticompetitive behavior laid out in the original May 18 complaints.
  • Judge Jackson has indicated some sympathy with the Government's position, stating that his view of the case is not as narrow as Microsoft's.
  • Microsoft will ask Judge Jackson to "resolve the proper scope of the trial" at Thursday's hearing.
  • The latest allegations against Microsoft include claims that the company pressed Intel and Apple to abandon efforts to develop multimedia software for Windows computers.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft has 12 allotted witnesses for the antitrust trial.
  • 20 states have joined the Federal Government in the antitrust case against Microsoft.
  • The trial is scheduled to begin on October 15.
  • Microsoft is facing charges that it abused its monopoly power by tying its Internet Explorer browser to the Windows 98 operating system.
  • The original antitrust complaint was filed on May 18.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft Seeks to Block Charges in Antitrust Trial", Bloomberg
  • "Microsoft asks judge for more time in antitrust case", CNET