Microsoft pulls unfair contract detail

***Brian Turner*** · 29-02-2004, 10:53 AM

Microsoft ends 'unfair' contract

Microsoft has announced it is to ditch a controversial contracts provision under investigation in Japan.

The software giant's statement comes after Japanese fair trade officials raided its Tokyo offices on suspicion of violating anti-monopoly laws.

Microsoft said it would now be removing the contract detail which prevents computer firms from suing it for any use of their patented technology.

The Japanese Fair Trade Commission had said it was unfair and restrictive.

Microsoft is accused of making companies such as NEC, Hitachi and Sony, who want to pre-install its Windows software on their computers, sign away their right to sue, even if they find Microsoft has used their patent technology.

More: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3488186.stm

Gabriel · 29-02-2004, 10:39 PM

Is this serious? Microsoft wrote in a clause in their contract to allow them to misuse Hitachi and Sony patents without either company being allow to file for compensation through the courts?

29-02-2004, 10:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
*Brian Turner* Business Guru Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Near Inverness, Highlands, Scotland Posts: 7,716	Microsoft pulls unfair contract detail Microsoft ends 'unfair' contract Microsoft has announced it is to ditch a controversial contracts provision under investigation in Japan. The software giant's statement comes after Japanese fair trade officials raided its Tokyo offices on suspicion of violating anti-monopoly laws. Microsoft said it would now be removing the contract detail which prevents computer firms from suing it for any use of their patented technology. The Japanese Fair Trade Commission had said it was unfair and restrictive. Microsoft is accused of making companies such as NEC, Hitachi and Sony, who want to pre-install its Windows software on their computers, sign away their right to sue, even if they find Microsoft has used their patent technology. More: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3488186.stm __________________ SEO specialist

29-02-2004, 10:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gabriel Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 22	Re: Microsoft pulls unfair contract detail Is this serious? Microsoft wrote in a clause in their contract to allow them to misuse Hitachi and Sony patents without either company being allow to file for compensation through the courts?

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