Is antitrust relevant in this Digital Age? Watch Microsoft's case; Justice Department's Klein has much on the line - and cases in the wings: combat boots and billboards
Article Abstract:
Successful prosecution of the Justice Department's new charge against Microsoft could redefine antitrust laws in a new economy. Software and cyberspace dominance could replicate railroad monopolies in the 1800s, according to many experts. The Clinton administration antitrust enforcers have filed charges in federal court against Microsoft for allegedly violating their 1995 consent decree. The outcome will determine Microsoft's limits of incorporating the software industry into its Windows PC OS, according to Gartner Group industry analyst Scott Winkler. Information from Microsoft customers and competitors will depend on whether the court strikes down Microsoft nondisclosure agreements which, the government argues, essentially require that Microsoft receive voluntary information in advance of the government. Repealing the nondisclosure agreements could free companies to offer additional information, according to Joel Klein, the Department of Justice antitrust chief.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Software maker finds wheels of justice grind slowly when Justice Department is the accused
Article Abstract:
The case between the United States Department of Justice and Inslaw Inc has been dragging on in the courts for the better part of a decade since the Department contracted with Inslaw to provide the Department a computer program to track court cases. Two federal courts have affirmed Inslaw's claim that the Justice Department stole Inslaw's Promis case-management software that is now used by nearly half of the regional US attorney's offices. Inslaw was awarded $6 million in damages by one court, but the Justice Department has appealed and the case is still pending. Observers feel the Department may be in the mood to settle, but Inslaw wants the case to receive a full public airing, and it may get the chance if the House Judiciary Committee decides to investigate.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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U.S. to launch another inquiry of Microsoft; while FTC drops its probe, Justice Department sets antitrust investigation
Article Abstract:
The US Department of Justice's Antitrust Division investigates Microsoft Corp after software companies accuse it of unfair competition. The complaints against Microsoft charge that the company's marketing practices, product design and company size are used to hinder competitors. A deadlocked Federal Trade Commission recently dropped its investigation of Microsoft for the same accusations, and a second investigation by another agency that shares federal antitrust enforcement duties with the FTC is rare. The Justice Department's new antitrust chief Anne Bingaman may be the catalyst for the agency's aggressive action.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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