Antitrust case is highlighting role of E-mail; U.S. and Microsoft test messages and memories
Article Abstract:
E-mail evidence is playing a prominent role in the Government's antitrust trial against Microsoft. Both the Government and Microsoft have submitted around 3,000 exhibits for the trial, with most of the them consisting of E-mail. Many of the E-mail messages not only contain candid and informal information, they also demonstrate what people were thinking and writing at the time. E-mail comprises most of the approximately 30 million documents that Microsoft has submitted to the Government. By comparison, legal coaching and selective memory can dilute formal oral testimony. The Government and the 20 states suing Microsoft intend to demonstrate that E-mail messages written and received by Microsoft Chmn William H. Gates contradict Gates' videotaped deposition of denying involvement in alleged anticompetitive deals and bullying tactics. Microsoft, meanwhile, is using E-mail from among the millions of documents subpoenaed from competitors.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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In its case against Microsoft, U.S. now cites note from Apple
Article Abstract:
The Department of Justice introduces evidence involving Apple in the DOJ's antitrust case against Microsoft. Among new documents is a handwritten note from Fred D. Anderson, Apple's chief financial officer, to Netscape Pres James Barksdale. The note explains that Apple had agreed to install Microsoft's Internet Explorer as a default browser on Macintosh computers because Microsoft had 'threatened to abandon Mac' if Apple did otherwise. Anderson said Microsoft had threatened to stop working on Microsoft Word and other crucial programs for Macintoshes. In its lawsuit, the DOJ alleges that Microsoft used monopoly power deriving from the company's domination of the market for PC operating systems to try to destroy Netscape, Microsoft's rival in the Web browser market. Microsoft says Apple's decision to bundle Internet Explorer was part of a larger agreement that included cross-licensing arrangements and a $150 million investment.
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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