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It's the biggest antitrust case against a major computer company since IBM in the 1970's and 1980's. But it's worth nothing if you don't know what the case is about, because U.S. v. Microsoft is a complicated case.
To help you figure out the case easily and quickly, the following is a quick summary of who's suing who, what products are involved, and what is being demanded by the U.S.
Who's Suing Who
The People
Vocabulary
The Government's Case
What the Government Wants
Microsoft's Defense
Conclusion
There are three main organizations and branches of government that are involved with U.S. v. Microsoft. They are:
- Microsoft Corporation, headed by CEO Bill Gates.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, headed by Joel Klein.
- Some 20 state attorneys general headed by New York state attorney general Dennis Vacco.
Microsoft is the defendant, while the DOJ and the attorneys general have filed two similar complaints, which are now combined into one complaint, against Microsoft.
There are many different people spread over many different positions. What they do and what side they are on are what matters.
For Microsoft
Inside the Company
- Bill Gates, Chairman and CEO. The chairman and CEO of almost any company being prosecuted against for antitrust reasons play a big role in the case.
- William Neukom, Senior VP, law and corporate affairs. Neukom takes charge of the law affairs of Microsoft--in other words, he supervises Microsoft's defense in this case.
- Other Microsoft executives, whose memos may be used heavily as evidence in the case.
Microsoft's Lawyers
- From Sullivan and Cromwell, which has defended Microsoft in previous antitrust actions, Richard Urowsky will be the main person to look for in Microsoft's defense team.
For the Government and States
At the DOJ
- Joel Klein, Assistant Attorney General. He's not afraid to launch any antitrust suit, a huge change from the past. He also will direct the government's punches.
State Attorneys General
- Dennis Vacco, State Attorney General, New York. He'll head the state's action against Microsoft, although since now the two suits will be combined, the point may be moot.
- Tom Miller, State Attorney General, Iowa. He is the chairman of the antitrust division of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG).
- Richard Blumenthal, State Attorney General, Conneticutt. Another major player in the NAAG.
- Other state attorneys general, 20 in total. They're obviously also interested in prosecuting Microsoft.
