Business is war, and payback is hell, but corporate trustbusting is more of a sport. Like basketball players insisting the ball bounced off the other guy’s foot, Microsoft and Google are at it again. This time Google returns the antitrust volley by announcing its intention to apply to become a third party in the European Commission’s investigation into Microsoft’s “unfair” bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows.
President’s Antitrust Chief Nomination Known to Criticize Google
President Obama’s nomination for Antitrust Chief, Christine A. Varney, has a history of criticizing Google on the topic of antitrust. Current concern appears to be focused on Google’s efforts in the cloud computing world.
Microsoft In Still More Antitrust Trouble
Microsoft apparently drew one step closer to getting in serious trouble with the European Commission yesterday. This afternoon, the company admitted to finding out that the European Commission believes its handling of Internet Explorer has been breaking antitrust laws.
Did Google Barely Escape Antitrust Charges?
As you’re no doubt aware, Google and Yahoo had a search advertising deal going earlier this year, but turbulence from possible-antitrust complaints and Department of Justice scrutiny ultimately led to Google backing out of the deal.
American Antitrust Institute Eyes Google-Yahoo Deal
A group called the American Antitrust Institute is probably the last thing Google or Yahoo wanted sticking its nose into their search deal. Now the AAI has done so, though, and surprisingly, it doesn’t see the partnership as a completely objectionable proposal.
MySpace Music to Face Antitrust Suits?
MySpace music is now scheduled to launch this week, but an antitrust lawsuit may be in the making as indie labels in the EU a
Intel Receiving Federal Antitrust Scrutiny
The chipmaker’s long-standing dismissal of antitrust claims by its main rival, AMD, will receive a test as Federal Trade Commission regulators take a closer look at Intel.
Google Names Microsoft In Antitrust Matter
Google filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, in secret, several months ago; the complaint suggested that Vista’s desktop search function is too hard to turn off.
Now, as you might have noticed, the complaint has become public, and several interesting details relating to the matter have also come to light.
Microsoft Agrees to Settle Antitrust Lawsuits
Microsoft will distribute vouchers valuing $37.8 million to Arkansas and $224 million to Wisconsin as part of two proposed class-action lawsuit settlements. The vouchers will be redeemable by residents of the respective states to obtain free software and hardware.
FTC Busts Online Realtors On Antitrust Case
The Austin Board of Realtors found itself on the receiving end of the Federal Trade Commission’s ire due to the FTC’s contention the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) used by the Board blocked the marketing of certain listings from the service.