Microsoft Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against Former VP Over Google Contract
Microsoft Corp. secured a temporary restraining order against Kai-Fu Lee, its former vice president, who recently joined Google Inc. as president of its China operations. The court order, granted by Judge Steven Gonzalez, restrains Dr. Lee from working on projects that might overlap with his previous work at Microsoft, specifically in areas including computer search technologies and the Chinese market. This move comes as Microsoft attempts to challenge Google's dominance in Web search.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft filed a lawsuit against Google on July 19, alleging that Kai-Fu Lee's joining Google Inc. violates his employment contract with Microsoft.
- The court order specifically restrains Dr. Lee from working on projects at Google in areas including computer search technologies and the Chinese market.
- Microsoft claimed in its filing that Dr. Lee "holds Microsoft's most sensitive technical and strategic information."
- Google stated that it didn't believe the restraining order was necessary, but acknowledged that it will avoid having Dr. Lee work on competitive projects with Microsoft.
- The judge's ruling does not represent a decision on the overall merits of Microsoft's suit.
- The lawsuit comes as Microsoft attempts to challenge Google's leading position in Web search, with the number of search queries handled by Google being a key metric.
Statistics:
- Microsoft alleges that Dr. Lee holds "Microsoft's most sensitive technical and strategic information."
- Google handles a leading number of search queries, with its market position being a key target for Microsoft's challenge.
- The court order was granted by Judge Steven Gonzalez on July 28, 2005.
- Microsoft filed its lawsuit against Google on July 19, 2005.
Sources:
- Dow Jones Commodities News Select via Comtex
- The Wall Street Journal Web site, WSJ.com
- Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) statement to Dow Jones
- Google Inc.'s (GOOG) statement to Dow Jones