What happens to Microsoft if it loses antitrust case?
Article Abstract:
The Justice Department's antitrust case against Microsoft Corp. is looking stronger. There is growing speculation about the terms of any discipline brought against the software maker if it should lose. Microsoft is preparing for such an outcome with a public relations campaign and strategic political lobbying. Penalties could range from a consent decree promising self-restraint in future competitive behaviour to a breakup of the company into many smaller units much as Bell Telephone was split into the Baby Bells after losing its antitrust case in 1982. It is expected that the most extreme measures would result in an intense political lobbying effort by Microsoft and its competitors. Despite Chairman Bill Gates's aversion to such an outcome, there is the possibility that a breakup of his company could result in a huge increase in his wealth just as the breakup of Standard Oil early in the century enriched John D. Rockefeller.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Sporkin uses order in Microsoft case to send a message to appeals court
Article Abstract:
US Justice Judge Stanley Sporkin released a 12-page footnote order regarding his recent overturning of the consent decree between Microsoft and the Justice Department. His order came as he canceled a meeting with Justice Department and Microsoft officials. Sporkin's decision rejected the consent decree as not being in the public interest. Both the Justice Department and Microsoft have filed appeals on the rejection of the consent decree, claiming that Sporkin has usurped the government's prosecutorial discretion and has overstepped his role as a district judge. Sporkin's order rejected that interpretation, saying that the government or Microsoft had the opportunity to come forward with new information or try to negotiate a new consent decree.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Microsoft, Justice Department appeal judge's ruling on antitrust accord. U.S. may appeal judge's ruling on Microsoft; Justic Department leans to fighting rejection of antitrust settlement
- Abstracts: Microsoft savors major victory as pact on antitrust is reinstated by judges
- Abstracts: Microsoft back in the dock. List of final witnesses released in Microsoft trial
- Abstracts: Hughes plan to expand Direct TV. A bilingual way to attract viewers. Satellite TV compromise passes House