Antitrust NewsWatch

Hearsay.com is on the move

2005-12-15T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hearsay.com is currently migrating from Blogger to a new publishing platform. During this transition, we will publish less frequently and may be temporarily off-line from December 15 through December 19. We'll keep you posted on changes to this schedule via the main site. While the look and feel of Hearsay.com will be more basic initially, the platform we've selected - WordPress - allows much more flexibility, especially with regard to tagging stories by topic; or to be more accurate - virtually unlimited flexibility, vs. no capability whatsoever. The new release is currently publishing to over 250 news categories, and as coverage expands, the number of topical areas will grow as well. Some historical content will be converted into the new application, but the initial release will focus exclusively on current news. Expect the site to undergo a series of enhancements in 2006, as its initial versions did in late 2004 and throughout 2005. As always, we value your perspective. Please provide comments and feedback via the contact link at Hearsay.com. Your patience during this transition is most appreciated!

Microsoft may share ad revenue with consumers: Perception of product 'tying' could draw regulator attention | Hearsay.com

2005-12-12T08:22:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal reported on December 12 that Microsoft may share ad revenue with consumers in the form of cash or product discounts for other Microsoft products and services. The move is a clear shot at Google, the Web's advertising leader. Bill Gates is quoted in the transcript of a speech before marketing partners in India saying 'We'll actually go to users and say instead of us keeping all that ad revenue, we'll actually share some of it back with the user. The user essentially will get paid, either money or free content or software things that they wouldn't get if they didn't use that search engine.' Microsoft needs to be particularly careful to avoid the perception of linking payments to consumers for the use of one service or product to the purchase of another, since it has global antitrust implications at a time when Microsoft needs to maintain a low profile on related issues. Related Google News

Microsoft fined $31.9 M for South Korean antitrust violation; contemplates market exit | Hearsay.com

2005-12-08T07:49:00.000-05:00

After an unfavorable ruling by South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) on December 7, Microsoft is now appealing the verdict and contemplating whether it should follow through on a November threat to exit the South Korean operating system market. Microsoft Korea and the FTC have said that possibility is unlikely. The ruling orders Microsoft to (1) offer two versions of Windows - one with Windows Media Player and Instant Messenger software removed and the other including links to downloads of competitor offerings; (2) send CDs to customers that allows them to replace Media Player and Instant Messenger; (3) unbundle Windows Media Service from the Windows Server operating system; and (4) pay a fine of 33 Billion won ($32 million).
Related Yahoo News

Nielsen antitrust lawsuit labeled a 'battle to save the TV industry' | bizjournals.com

2005-12-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

Florida US District Judge Susan Bucklew has ruled that erinMedia LLC can move on to discovery in its antitrust lawsuit against Nielsen Media Research Inc. erinMedia claims that Nielsen is using anticompetitive practices to impede or prevent competition and innovation, and that it has forced major networks into long-term, staggered contracts that make it impossible for companies offer competing services.
Cable, TV & Radio - bizjournals.com

French mobile phone operators fined record $628 million | E-Commerce News

2005-12-02T10:48:00.000-05:00

French antitrust authorities slapped record fines on the country's three cell-phone operators on December 1 after a four-year investigation found that Orange, SFR and Bouygues illegally shared sales data and conspired to undermine competition. The three networks were ordered to pay a combined 534 million euros (US$628 million), the largest fine ever imposed by France's Competition Council.
E-Commerce News: Global : French Cell-Phone Operators Fined $628 Million

S. Korea plans to rule on Microsoft antitrust case next week | MercuryNews.com

2005-12-01T12:24:00.000-05:00

"SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea's antitrust watchdog said on Novebember 30 that it will likely rule next week on allegations that Microsoft Corp. violated trade rules by bundling its software products with Windows. The Fair Trade Commission began looking into the case because Daum Communications Corp., a South Korean Internet portal, filed a complaint in 2001 alleging that Microsoft engaged in unfair marketing by tying its instant messenger software to Windows."
MercuryNews.com | 11/30/2005 | S. Korea plans to rule on Microsoft antitrust case next week

Microsoft tells judge it is complying with antitrust consent decree | CNET News.com

2005-12-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - Under fire for a marketing plan that may have improperly favored Windows Media Player, Microsoft on November 30 told a federal judge that it is taking steps to avoid anticompetitive behavior by its employees.
Microsoft tells judge it's antitrust-compliant | CNET News.com

Rambus prospects up on Samsung disclosure of $300 million Justice Department settlement | AP via MSN Money

2005-11-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

In October, the Department of Justice announced Samsung agreed to pay a $300 million fine in the antitrust case, but details of the plea remained under wraps. Court documents made public in recent days show Samsung has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to artificially fix prices of DRAM between April 1, 1999 to June 15, 2002. The plea agreement is likely to boost the prospects of Rambus in its patent infringement and price fixing litigation with Samsung.
MSN Money - AP Business News: Rambus Shares Jump on Samsung Disclosure

Justices hear key antitrust case on 'tying' patented products | law.com

2005-11-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

The Supreme Court on November 29 seemed ready to hand a victory to patent holders in a closely watched antitrust case that could have a broad impact on intellectual property law. Though justices seemed divided at oral argument in the case Illinois Tool Works v. Independent Ink, they seemed untroubled by the prospect of tossing aside a 58-year-old precedent that puts patent holders at a disadvantage when competitors sue them for antitrust violations."
law.com - Justices Hear Key Antitrust Case on 'Tying' Patented Products

VeriSign and ICANN sued over alleged anti-competitive contract terms | Hearsay.com

2005-11-29T12:13:00.000-05:00

SAN JOSE, Calif. - A trade group known as the World Association of Domain Name Developers (WADND) sued VeriSign and ICANN (Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and Numbers) on November 28 in the San Jose federal court. WADND alleges VeriSign's proposed registry contract, which would remain in-force through 2012 for '.com' registrations, is anti-competitive. The lawsuit also claims the deal creates a virtual monopoly for VeriSign's '.com' and '.net' registries, allowing it to set fees above market price, and creates an opportunity to extend this monopoly into new markets.
Related Google News

Microsoft expands antitrust training, reviews after music deal flap | post-gazette.com

2005-11-21T08:41:00.000-05:00

"WASHINGTON - Microsoft Corp. has pledged to expand legal training for employees and broaden its internal reviews of industry agreements to be sure the company doesn't violate its antitrust settlement with the government. Microsoft's decision, disclosed in court papers, responds to criticism last month from the federal judge overseeing Microsoft's business practices under the agreement. She was upset over a proposal by Microsoft - unlawful under the settlement - to force manufacturers to tether iPod-like devices to Microsoft's own music player software."
Microsoft expands antitrust training, reviews after music deal flap

South Dakota Supreme Court orders recalculation of Microsoft case legal fees | AberdeenNews.com

2005-11-18T11:54:00.000-05:00

"PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Legal fees for attorneys who handled antitrust lawsuits against Microsoft Corp. must be recalculated because the fees awarded by a circuit judge were too high, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled on November 17. Circuit Judge Lori Wilbur of Pierre awarded lawyers $2.3 million in legal fees and expenses, but the Supreme Court said the fees must be recalculated using guidelines that will result in lower payments to many of the attorneys."
AP Wire | 11/17/2005 | Supreme Court orders recalculation of Microsoft case legal fees

EU opens in-depth probe Into T-Mobile buy of Tele.Ring | Cellular-News.com

2005-11-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

"BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- The European Commission on November 14 launched an in-depth investigation into T-Mobile Austria's plan to buy rival Tele.Ring Service GmbH. The deal 'may create significant competition problems by removing Tele.Ring as a competitor for (consumers),' the commission found in its initial investigation. 'This takeover is in a strategically important sector in the European economy,' E.U. antitrust chief Neelie Kroes said in a statement."
EU Opens In-depth Probe Into T-Mobile Buy Of Tele.Ring

Microsoft seeks US backing in EU antitrust battle | MSN Money

2005-11-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, DC (Financial Times) - Microsoft has launched a covert lobbying campaign to persuade the US administration officials and businesses to intervene in its long-running antitrust battle with the European Union. Microsoft officials have met White House and Department of Justice staff and asked them to back the legal challenge launched by the group against last year's landmark antitrust ruling by the European Commission, the EU's executive body.
MSN Money - Financial Times Business News: Microsoft seeks US backing in EU antitrust battle

Microsoft, South Korea's Daum reach anti-trust settlement | CNET News.com

2005-11-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

"SEOUL-Microsoft has reached a $30 million settlement with South Korea's Daum over an antitrust suit, but regulators said they will continue to review their case against the world's largest software maker. Shares in Daum Communications, the country's top Web portal operator, jumped nearly 9 percent on November 11 after the two firms announced the agreement, which includes a $10 million cash payment by Microsoft to Daum, $10 million in advertising deals and unspecified business terms worth a further $10 million."
Microsoft, Daum reach settlement | CNET News.com

Swedish start-up alleges predatory pricing by Microsoft | WSJ.com (subscription required)

2005-11-09T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Swedish technology start-up Wellton Way AB has complained to European antitrust regulators about Microsoft predatory pricing practices for its Windows N/T Media Center software.
WSJ.com - Swedish Start-Up Alleges Predatory Pricing by Microsoft

FCC approves Verizon acquisition of MCI and SBC acquisition of AT&T | Hearsay.com

2005-11-01T07:23:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved, with minor conditions, SBC Communications' $16 billion purchase of AT&T Corp., and Verizon Communications' $8.44 billion takeover of MCI Inc. The conditions are intended to prevent the merged companies from raising rates or denying customers Internet access. The FCC voted 4-0 to sign off on the deals, with Chairman Kevin Martin saying the combined entities will 'create strong global carriers that will vigorously compete both internationally and domestically.' The deals are expected to be completed by year's end.
Related Google News

Ronit Kan to be Israel's next Antitrust chief: Minister admits to female bias when choosing candidates for senior positions | Globes

2005-10-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

TEL AVIV - The Israeli cabinet approved Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor foreign trade administration deputy director-general Ronit Kan as the next director general of the Antitrust Authority. At the same time, Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor and acting Minister of Finance Ehud Olmert was criticized for the way he chose her, using the search committee as a fig leaf.
Globes [online] - Ronit Kan to be next Antitrust Authority chief

Federal judge dismisses request for legal fees in Microsoft case | MercuryNews.com

2005-10-28T09:09:00.000-04:00

"BALTIMORE (AP) - A federal judge said on October 28 said he did not have 'anything close to jurisdiction' in the case, adding that, 'I've got better things to do' than to decide whether a group of lawyers should receive more than $24 million in legal fees for their work against Microsoft Corp. in antitrust cases. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz dismissed the case, which was brought by a group of 27 law firms that represented clients in federal court. Those firms were trying to get a share of $79 million in fees that a group of 11 law firms received for state court cases in Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.''
MercuryNews.com | 10/27/2005 | Federal judge dismisses request for legal fees in Microsoft case

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Microsoft threatens to withdraw Windows from South Korean market | Reuters.com

2005-10-28T08:38:00.000-04:00

"SEOUL - Microsoft Corp. has threatened to withdraw its Windows software from South Korea if the country's antitrust agency orders it to unbundle its Instant Messenger and Media Player from the operating system. South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has been investigating allegations that the world's top software maker breached antitrust laws by incorporating the services into Windows."
Stock Market News and Investment Information | Reuters.com

Judge chides Microsoft over exclusive music proposal | MercuryNews.com

2005-10-27T09:43:00.000-04:00

"WASHINGTON (AP) - The federal judge overseeing Microsoft Corp.'s business practices scolded the company on October 26 over a proposal to force manufacturers to tether iPod-like devices to Microsoft's own music player software. Microsoft abandoned the idea after a competitor protested. In a rare display of indignation, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly demanded an explanation from Microsoft's lawyers and told them, 'This should not be happening.'"
MercuryNews.com | 10/26/2005 | Judge chides Microsoft over exclusive music proposal

FTC orders hospital group to unwind mergers | TheDeal.com

2005-10-24T17:48:00.000-04:00

"The FTC brought the case against Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Corp. after determining that the purchase of Highland Park Hospital resulted in increased costs to consumers and 'substantially lessened competition' in the local market for general acute inpatient services. While the divestiture of a single hospital 'purchased by Evanston for $200 million' isn't likely to cause shock waves through the healthcare industry, a government-ordered sale is significant because it demonstrates clear willingness on the part of antitrust regulators to unwind previously approved deals if harm to consumers is later demonstrated."
TheDeal.com - FTC orders hospital group to unwind mergers

Microsoft backs off exclusive music plan that may have violated anti-trust accord | BostonHerald.com

2005-10-21T03:12:00.000-04:00

"Microsoft Corp., already under government scrutiny over its behavior toward competitors, told manufacturers of iPod-like portable audio devices that under a new marketing program they would not be allowed to distribute rivals' music player software - but pulled back after one company protested. The Justice Department said that the incident was 'unfortunate,' but that government lawyers decided to drop the issue because Microsoft agreed 10 days later to change the proposal."
BostonHerald.com - Technology News: Microsoft backs off exclusive music plan

Judge lets Jets lawsuit proceed accusing Cablevision of antitrust actions | Newsday.com

2005-10-19T08:43:00.000-04:00

"NEW YORK - A judge Tuesday let the New York Jets proceed with an antitrust lawsuit alleging Madison Square Garden's owner tried to sabotage the city's chance to host the Olympics in order to protect its control of major sports and entertainment events. The Jets have "adequately alleged that Cablevision's bid constituted a sham" to stop the Jets from constructing a sports and convention center on the rail yard site, Baer wrote. The lawsuit does not allege that Cablevision succeeded in blocking the stadium plans with its bid but charges that the attempt alone violated antitrust laws. U.S. District Judge Harold Baer said that questions about Cablevision Systems Corp.'s unsolicited bid to buy the West Side rail yards were substantial enough to be decided at trial."
Newsday.com: Judge lets Jets lawsuit proceed accusing Cablevision of antitrust actions

Blackboard's WebCT acquisition faces antitrust snag | TheDeal.com

2005-10-18T17:15:00.000-04:00

"Blackboard Inc.'s pending acquisition of rival WebCT Inc. would merge the two largest makers of educational software, leaving a competitive void and potentially sparking antirust concerns. The proposed $180 million cash deal would give the merged company a near monopoly, given Washington-based Blackboard controls roughly 45% to 50% of the U.S. market for software used to conduct college and other school classes, among other functions, over the Internet, while WebCT, of Lynnfield, Mass., holds about 35% to 40%, according to Eduventures Inc. 'Anyway you cut it, you're talking about 65% to 75% of all U.S. institutions,' said Catherine Burdt, an analyst with the Boston educational research firm."
TheDeal.com - Blackboard faces antitrust snag

Adobe's Macromedia buy gets U.S. antitrust clearance | MarketWatch

2005-10-14T14:15:00.000-04:00

"LOS ANGELES - Adobe Systems Inc.'s planned acquisition of Macromedia Inc. has won antitrust clearance from U.S. regulators, moving the companies into the homestretch toward closing the $3 billion deal, the firms said on October 13. Adobe, the design-software company behind the nearly ubiquitous Acrobat document sharing software, and Macromedia continue to expect to finalize the transaction sometime in the fall. San Jose, Calif.-based Adobe announced in April the plans to acquire Macromedia, which makes the Flash animation software used to display graphics on Web sites."
Adobe's Macromedia buy gets U.S. antitrust clearance

South Korea regulator: Microsoft probe on | Business Week

2005-10-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

"SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea's antitrust watchdog said on October 12 it would continue to investigate allegations Microsoft Corp. engaged in unfair trade practices, despite the software giant's settlement of a case with a U.S. rival."
South Korea regulator: Microsoft probe on

Johnson & Johnson suit claims Amgen sales tactic threatens Procrit, coerces clinics | Yahoo! Finance

2005-10-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

"NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - In a bid to protect its best-selling drug, Procrit, a Johnson & Johnson company has charged Amgen Inc. with antitrust violations, claiming that illegal sales practices force cancer doctors to choose its competing anti-anemia drug. 'The result will be less competition, less physician and patient choice and an increased expense to the public health system,' J&J's Ortho Biotech Products LP charged in a lawsuit."
Johnson & Johnson Seeks to Protect Procrit: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Samsung Electronics to pay $300 million for price-fixing | Bloomberg.com

2005-10-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

"(Bloomberg) - Samsung Electronics Co. agreed to pay $300 million, the second-largest criminal antitrust fine in U.S. history, to settle charges it took part in a global scheme to fix the price of computer chips used in personal computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices."
Bloomberg.com: Top Worldwide

Symantec won't 'whine' to regulators about Microsoft entry into security space | CNET News.com

2005-10-13T07:16:00.000-04:00

"SAN FRANCISCO--Microsoft is set to enter the security arena next year, but Symantec won't compete by complaining to antitrust regulators or suing the software giant."
Symantec won't 'whine' about Microsoft | CNET News.com

Microsoft, RealNetworks settle lawsuit | Seattle Post-Intelligencer

2005-10-11T15:37:00.000-04:00

"SEATTLE - Digital media company RealNetworks Inc. announced a legal settlement on October 11 with longtime adversary Microsoft Corp., ending the last major antitrust case against the world's largest software maker. RealNetworks said it had reached three deals with Microsoft worth up to $761 million. That includes a $460 million upfront cash payment to settle the antitrust dispute. Another part of the agreement gives RealNetworks an additional $301 million in cash and services designed to help the company's products reach a wider audience. In exchange, RealNetworks agreed to drop all its antitrust claims against Microsoft worldwide." Seattle Post-Intelligencer (AP): A breakdown of the Microsoft-RealNetworks deal
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: AP - Business: Microsoft, RealNetworks settle lawsuit

Microsoft, RealNetworks near settlement of antitrust lawsuit | WSJ.com (subscription required)

2005-10-11T09:25:00.000-04:00

"Microsoft Corp. and RealNetworks Inc., for years mortal enemies in the high-tech industry, may be close to burying the hatchet. According to people familiar with the matter, the two companies are nearing a settlement of RealNetworks' long-running antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft in a deal valued at about $750 million. Under terms of the settlement, which could still fall through, Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft would provide a combination of cash and promotions for RealNetworks music and game services through Microsoft's online services and software, and the two companies would collaborate on technology initiatives in the future, these people said."
WSJ.com - Microsoft, RealNetworks Are Near Settlement Of Antitrust Lawsuit

Supreme Court Won't Hear Antitrust Case Against NCAA | Chronicle of Higher Education

2005-10-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

"The two-in-four rule is here to stay. Last week the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an antitrust case that challenged the National Collegiate Athletic Association's rule on preseason tournaments. The two-in-four rule allows college basketball teams to participate in no more than two preseason basketball tournaments every four years. Those games do not count against the NCAA's per-college limit of 28 games a year. Instead, an entire tournament counts as only one game."
The Chronicle of Higher Education

Symantec complains to EU anti-trust officers over Microsoft | TechWorld.com

2005-10-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

"Symantec has made a complaint against Microsoft to EC anti-trust regulators over the software giant's entry into the security market. The 'informal' complaint allows the Commission to consider whether or not an anti-trust case is merited. The Commission is the executive branch of the European Union (EU). "
Techworld.com - Symantec complains to EU anti-trust officers over Microsoft

AMD v. Intel: More companies subpoenaed | CNET News.com

2005-10-07T09:50:00.000-04:00

"Advanced Micro Devices said on October 6 that it served more than 15 companies with subpoenas this week as of part of its antitrust lawsuit against rival Intel. Computer makers and a dozen distributors and retailers--including three companies that hadn't been subpoenaed by AMD before-were served papers as AMD seeks information related to its claims against Intel... Among those receiving requests this week to produce documents were Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Lenovo Group, Gateway, Sun Microsystems, NEC and units of Fujitsu, as well as retailers Circuit City and Best Buy."
AMD v. Intel: More companies subpoenaed | CNET News.com

DOJ amends antitrust lawsuit against National Association of Realtors | RISMedia

2005-10-06T07:54:00.000-04:00

"WASHINGTON - The Department of Justice amended the complaint in its antitrust lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR), charging that the group's modified policy continues to prevent Internet-based real estate brokers from offering better services and lower costs to consumers. The lawsuit challenges NAR rules that limit competition from brokers who use Internet tools to serve their customers. The new complaint addresses how NAR's changes to its rules still obstruct competition, threaten to lock in outmoded business models and inflate prices in the industry."
DOJ amends antitrust lawsuit against NAR

Roberts and Miers linked to Microsoft | Seattle Post-Intelligencer

2005-10-04T08:07:00.000-04:00

Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers and Chief Justice John Roberts have something in common besides being President Bush's picks for the court: As lawyers, each took part in cases involving Microsoft. Miers represented the company in cases including class-action lawsuits in the 1990s that alleged defects in a version of its MS-DOS operating system. Roberts was among the lawyers who argued for the government at a pivotal 2001 appeals court hearing on U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson's order to break the company into separate operating entities; an order that was later reversed.
Roberts and Miers linked to Microsoft

Antitrust suit vs. Baby Bells to proceed | San Jose Mercury News

2005-10-04T07:50:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK - A federal appeals court on October 3 said an antitrust lawsuit against several of the nation's largest telecommunications providers over whether they conspired to exclude competitors from their home markets should be allowed to go forward. The three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a prior lower-court ruling that dismissed the lawsuit against a group of Baby Bells, including Verizon Communications Inc., BellSouth Corp., Qwest Communications and SBC Communications Inc.
AP Wire | 10/03/2005 | Antitrust suit vs. Baby Bells to proceed

Ballmer to meet with EU antitrust chief | CNET News.com

2005-09-30T08:43:00.000-04:00

"Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer, is scheduled to meet with the antitrust head of the European Commission on October 5, according to a commission representative. Ballmer, who will be in Europe on business, requested the meeting with Neelie Kroes, who heads the competition bureau."
Ballmer to meet with EU antitrust chief | CNET News.com

Kroes seeks EC anti-trust policy that benefits consumers | MSN Money

2005-09-26T14:31:00.000-04:00

"NEW YORK (Financial Times) - Neelie Kroes, the European Union antitrust chief, wants to change the way the Brussels regulator fights abuses by dominant companies such as Microsoft and Coca-Cola, by concentrating on business practices that hurt consumers. 'I like aggressive competition including by dominant companies and I don't care if it may hurt competitors, as long as it ultimately benefits consumers,' she told an antitrust conference in New York on September 23."
MSN Money - Financial Times Business News: Kroes seeks regime that benefits consumer

Hollywood studios unite in piracy battle | CNET News.com

2005-09-20T11:25:00.000-04:00

"LOS ANGELES--The six major Hollywood studios, hoping to gain more control over their technological destiny, have agreed to jointly finance a multimillion-dollar research laboratory to speed the development of new ways to foil movie pirates. The new nonprofit consortium is to be called Motion Picture Laboratories--MovieLabs for short--and will begin operation later this year. According to Hollywood executives involved in its establishment, MovieLabs will have a budget of more than $30 million for its first two years."
Hollywood studios unite in piracy battle | CNET News.com

EU antitrust chief weighs more action on Microsoft | International Herald Tribune

2005-09-20T07:26:00.000-04:00

"BRUSSELS - Almost 18 months after ruling that Microsoft had abused its dominance in the market for desktop operating system software, Europe's antitrust authority is considering opening new cases against the company, its top official, Neelie Kroes, said on September 19."
EU antitrust chief weighs more action on Microsoft - Business - International Herald Tribune

Movie studios face scrutiny on bookings | WSJ.com (subscription required)

2005-09-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

"As part of a long-running investigation into whether movie booking practices unfairly disadvantage independent theaters that compete against major chains, California state Attorney General Bill Lockyer issued subpoenas seeking information from the major Hollywood studios related to how they place major releases in theaters. The inquiry focuses on the practice of 'clearance,' in which movie studios grant exclusive rights to their films within specific zones. Some theater chains are also now suing bigger rivals over the practice, including two federal lawsuits filed this week by the midsize theater circuit Hollywood Theaters Inc."
WSJ.com - Movie Studios Face Scrutiny on Bookings

Justice Dept. sues realtor group | Business Week

2005-09-08T21:50:00.000-04:00

"(AP) The Justice Department sued the National Association of Realtors on September 8, claiming it unfairly limits competition by allowing real estate agents to withhold home listings from Internet-based brokers. The antitrust lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, follows lengthy negotiations in which the government pressed the Realtors to drop restrictions designed to protect traditional brokers. The association announced changes to its original plan Thursday, but the new steps were insufficient to ward off the lawsuit because the organization kept in place brokers' ability to discriminate against competitors who post listings online, said J. Bruce McDonald, deputy assistant attorney general in the Antitrust Division."
Justice Dept. sues realtor group

Microsoft wins right to appeal Novell suit | CNET News.com

2005-09-06T10:14:00.000-04:00

"A federal judge in Baltimore has accepted Microsoft's request for an appeal against the remaining charges in its antitrust suit with Novell. U.S. District Court Judge J. Frederick Motz ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Microsoft to pursue its appeal of the last two claims standing in the suit, which charges the software giant with engaging in unfair competition with Novell's WordPerfect and Quattro Pro applications. In June, Motz dismissed four related antitrust claims after determining those charges weren't filed within the proper time frame."
Microsoft wins right to appeal Novell suit | CNET News.com

Lexmark's cartridge deal and box-top licence upheld | OUT-LAW.COM

2005-09-05T21:18:00.000-04:00

"A US Appeals Court has endorsed a scheme that offers Lexmark customers $30 off the price of a laser printer cartridge if they agree - by opening the box - to return the empty cartridge to Lexmark rather than seeking a refill from a third party. The Arizona Cartridge Remanufacturers Association (ACRA), a trade association, had challenged the offer in 2001, alleging that the company engaged in false and misleading advertising in its promotion of the rebate program for laser cartridges sold at lower prices than identical Lexmark cartridges."
Lexmark's cartridge deal and box-top licence upheld | OUT-LAW.COM

Microsoft Antitrust: Three U.S. think-tanks ask to help Microsoft | ITworld.com

2005-09-05T20:19:00.000-04:00

"Three U.S. think-tanks which campaign against government regulation have asked permission to present arguments in support of Microsoft Corp. as part of its appeal of a European Union antitrust ruling. One of the three organizations, the International Intellectual Property Institute, has a Microsoft employee on its board of directors. The other organizations are the Progress and Freedom Foundation and the Institute for Policy Innovation."
ITworld.com - Microsoft Antitrust: Three U.S. think-tanks ask to help Microsoft

NY judge certifies antitrust class action against Microsoft | law.com

2005-09-02T10:08:00.000-04:00

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Karla Moskowitz has certified a class action suit in Cox v. Microsoft, 105193/00, on behalf of consumers who charge they were harmed by the software maker's anti-competitive conduct. Among the practices noted in the action is Microsoft's requirement that computer manufacturers agree to pay a licensing fee to Microsoft for each computer shipped, regardless of its operating system. The suit claims such practices harmed consumers by denying them choice and inflating prices.
law.com - N.Y. Judge Certifies Antitrust Class Action Against Microsoft

Intel denies wrongdoing in AMD response | Washington Post

2005-09-02T09:15:00.000-04:00

"SAN JOSE, Calif. - Responding to an antitrust lawsuit filed by a rival computer chip maker, Intel Corp. on September 1 denied its business practices broke any laws and dismissed the claims as 'factually incorrect and contradictory.' In a 63-page response to the 48-page suit filed by Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Intel said its rival is smaller because of the way it handles its business not from any wrongdoing by the world's largest semiconductor company."
Intel Denies Wrongdoing in AMD Response

Judge tosses out wireless lawsuits | MercuryNews.com

2005-09-01T09:23:00.000-04:00

"NEW YORK (AP) - The nation's five largest wireless carriers don't engage in antitrust practices by persuading customers to buy certain handsets to subscribe to their services, a judge ruled. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote tossed out a group of five lawsuits brought by wireless phone customers who claimed that since 1998 the companies had unlawfully tied the sale of handsets to the sale of wireless services."
MercuryNews.com | 08/31/2005 | Judge tosses out wireless lawsuits

US FTC takes Schering patent case to high court | Reuters.com

2005-08-31T08:12:00.000-04:00

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. antitrust authorities on Tuesday said they had asked the Supreme Court to reverse an appeals court ruling and reinstate antitrust charges against Schering-Plough Corp. The Federal Trade Commission said it has filed a petition asking the high court to review a March ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit Court, which rejected an earlier finding by the FTC that Schering-Plough had illegally kept cheaper versions of its blood pressure drug K-Dur off the market."
Stock Market News and Investment Information | Reuters.com

Report: Competition watchdog probing price fixing allegations against French mobile phone operators | FindLaw

2005-08-26T08:14:00.000-04:00

"(AP) - PARIS-France's competition watchdog is reportedly investigating the country's three mobile phone operators, suspected of working together to fix prices over a six-year period - 1997 to 2003. Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom each could risk heavy fines if the allegations are proved to be true."
Report: Competition watchdog probing price fixing allegations against French mobile phone operators

Microsoft is awaiting Seoul antitrust ruling | New York Times

2005-08-23T20:18:00.000-04:00

"The antitrust regulator in South Korea will begin a crucial hearing on August 23 to determine whether Microsoft violated the country's fair trade rules by bundling its instant messenger and Media Player programs into its Windows XP platform. The commission held a closed hearing in July to listen to arguments from Microsoft and its local competitors, but it has not clarified how many more hearings it will need before ruling."
Microsoft Is Awaiting Seoul Antitrust Ruling - New York Times

South Korea joins Intel inquiries: Documents related to rebate, marketing deals sought - MercuryNews.com

2005-08-09T08:53:00.000-04:00

"Intel may be facing more scrutiny on antitrust issues, this time from the South Korean government's Fair Trade Commission. The world's biggest chip maker disclosed on August 8 in a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it received a request for information in June from the South Korean agency. The agency asked for documents related to the marketing and rebate programs that Intel has entered into with South Korean PC manufacturers."
MercuryNews.com | 08/09/2005 | South Korea joins Intel inquiries

Report to Congress: Repealing Anti-Trust Exemption Would Change Insurers' Pricing Habits - Insurance Journal

2005-08-04T22:26:00.000-04:00

"A new government report finds that if the insurance industry lost its current exemption from federal anti-trust laws, insurance companies would probably no longer be allowed to rely on rating organizations for projections of future costs to set their prices."
Report to Congress: Repealing Anti-Trust Exemption Would Change Insurers' Pricing Habits

Lucent subpoenaed in antitrust probe | BusinessWeek

2005-08-04T22:18:00.000-04:00

MURRAY HILL, NJ (AP) - Lucent Technologies Inc. said on August 5 that it received subpoenas from Justice Department and General Services Administration officials regarding investigations into potential violations relating to antitrust and sales of telecommunications equipment to the federal government in its E-Rate program.
Lucent subpoenaed in antitrust probe

EU & Competition: Dawn raiders - Legal Week

2005-08-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

"Being subjected to the scrutiny of EU competition officials is an experience every company wants to avoid. Catriona Hatton and George Metaxas offer advice on what to do if the European Commission knocks at the door. Without commenting on the rights or wrongs of the case, the European Commission's (EC's) recent dawn raid on Intel's Brussels office during its inquiry into alleged anti-competitive practices has highlighted the need for international companies to be aware of the European Union's (EU's) powers in this area."
Legal Week

AMD vs. Intel: Clash of the Titans | Top Tech News

2005-08-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

"The battle lines are drawn for what will be a protracted war played out in court between two fierce competitors who know each other well. The antitrust lawsuit filed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) against Intel has sent ripples through the entire I.T. industry. As the battle unfolds, its many top players, from manufacturers to retailers, will be compelled to play their part in the landmark dispute."
Top Tech News - Tech Trends - AMD vs. Intel: Clash of the Titans

Feds give Sprint-Nextel merger anti-trust approval | ZDNet

2005-08-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

"Two federal agencies on August 3 approved the megamerger of U.S. cell phone operators Sprint and Nextel Communications. The thumbs-up by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice's antitrust division means the last major hurdle has been cleared for Sprint's proposed $35 billion purchase of Nextel.While reducing the number of major U.S. operators from five to four, both agencies concluded the merger will not diminish competition."
Feds approve Sprint-Nextel merger | Tech News on ZDNet

Germany: Changing the rules of fair play - Legal Week Global

2005-07-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

"Germany's reform of its competition law is an important step towards the long-overdue implementation of equal antitrust law standards throughout the EU. Georg Philipp Cotta explains what the new laws hold in store for German companies"
Legal Week Global

Realtors raise pressure on discounters: Traditional brokers chalk up local victories on access to Web listings, service requirements - WSJ.com

2005-07-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

"Realtors have taken some knocks lately in Washington, where antitrust officials accuse them of trying to stifle cut-rate competition. At the state and local level, though, real-estate trade groups are fighting back - and in many instances prevailing."
WSJ.com - Realtors Raise Pressure On Discounters

De Beers in anti-trust complaint - South Africa Sunday Times

2005-07-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

"The Belgian Association of Dealers, Importers and Exporters of Polished Diamonds (BVGD) announces that it had lodged an official complaint with the European Commission's (EC's) competition authority against diamond miner De Beers. The complaint concerns the Supplier of Choice (SOC) programme, which is run by De Beers' marketing arm, the Diamond Trading Company (DTC)."
De Beers in anti-trust complaint

'All-out war' in Intel-AMD antitrust case: Sides schedule meeting - CNET

2005-07-18T07:09:00.000-04:00

"Lawyers with Intel and Advanced Micro Devices will sit down next month to discuss for the first time their latest antitrust tussle, representatives for the two companies said on July 15."
'All-out war' in Intel-AMD antitrust case | CNET News.com

In Europe, Microsoft antitrust decision on ice - CNET

2005-07-18T07:06:00.000-04:00

"The European Commission will not make a decision on whether Microsoft has complied with its antitrust ruling until after the summer, a Commission representative said on July 15."
In Europe, Microsoft antitrust decision on ice | CNET News.com

EU investigators raid Intel offices - Guardian Unlimited

2005-07-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

"Investigators from the European commission and national competition authorities in several European countries, including Britain, yesterday mounted a series of dawn raids at premises of Intel, the world's leading chip maker, as part of an inquiry into alleged anti-trust activities. The raids are linked to lawsuits and complaints filed by Intel's smaller rival, AMD, about the US group's allegedly illegal practices in maintaining its monopoly in the microprocessor market."
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | EU investigators raid Intel offices

New judge named in Microsoft, EU case - Seattle Times

2005-07-11T09:22:00.000-04:00

"(Bloomberg) Microsoft's appeal against a European Union antitrust order will be heard by Bo Vesterdorf, the judge who rejected the company's attempt in December to suspend the decision. The European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg said on July 8 that it told Microsoft and regulators that the case had been moved to the Grand Chamber, which is led by Vesterdorf. The case had originally been assigned to a five-judge panel led by Hubert Legal."
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: New judge named in Microsoft, EU case

Broadcom alleges Qualcomm violates antitrust laws on CDMA - Information Week

2005-07-05T22:47:00.000-04:00

"Wireless chipmaker Broadcom on July 5 said that it has sued Qualcomm, saying the mobile phone chipmaking company has violated U.S. antitrust laws. Broadcom filed the suit in U.S. District Court in the District of New Jersey. It said in a statement that its charges 'relate to Qualcomm's abuse of the wireless technology standards-setting process, its failure to meet its commitments to license technology for cellular wireless standards on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. ' It also charged Qualcomm with anti-competitive practices. "
InformationWeek > Antitrust Laws > Broadcom Alleges Qualcomm Violates Antitrust Laws On CDMA > July 5, 2005

Go files antitrust suit against Microsoft - CNET

2005-07-05T09:43:00.000-04:00

"The founder of pen computing pioneer Go filed an antitrust suit against Microsoft, claiming that the software giant violated antitrust laws by trying to thwart Go's attempt to enter the PC operating system market."
Go files antitrust suit against Microsoft | CNET News.com

Microsoft settles with IBM for $775M - MarketWatch

2005-07-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

"SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp. on July 1 agreed to pay International Business Machines $775 million to settle antitrust claims dating back to the U.S. government's antitrust case against the software giant."
Microsoft settles with IBM for $775M - Computer Hardware - Computer Software - Technology, Hardware and Equipment - Technology, Software - Software - Company Announcements

Copycat lawsuits target Intel - MercuryNews.com

2005-07-01T09:04:00.000-04:00

"On the heels of Advanced Micro Devices' antitrust litigation against Intel, the chip giant was hit on June 30 with two copycat lawsuits. In separate class actions filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, two owners of computers powered by Intel chips sought damages for what they claimed was the Santa Clara company's anti-competitive practices."
MercuryNews.com | 07/01/2005 | Copycat lawsuits target Intel

Advanced Micro files antitrust suit against Intel over customer 'coercion' - Bloomberg

2005-06-28T07:47:00.000-04:00

WILMINGTON, Del. - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has filed an antitrust suit against Intel, claiming it forced away dozens of clients with cash incentives and threats to withhold technology components. The Delaware filing claims Intel coerced companies into excluding AMD products, and identifies 38 companies that Intel allegedly coerced, including Dell, Sony and Toshiba. More than 80 percent of the world's PCs use Intel processors. This suit follows a ruling by Japan's Fair Trade Commission in March 2005 that Intel violated its anti-monopoly statutes by offering discounts to Japanese computer manufacturers if they agreed to limit business with rival chipmakers.
Bloomberg.com: Top Worldwide

Microsoft foes in Europe decry proposed licensing fees - MercuryNews.com

2005-06-27T09:08:00.000-04:00

"SEATTLE (AP) - A high-tech trade group is accusing Microsoft Corp. of trying to wring excessive licensing fees out of its settlement of the European Union's landmark antitrust ruling against the company. The charges are renewing the debate over whether Microsoft tries to take undue advantage of its dominant position in the market. But the software titan counters that it has proposed a fair way to give competitors access to valuable technology."
MercuryNews.com | 06/24/2005 | Microsoft foes in Europe decry proposed licensing fees

Steven King's lawsuit misery - The Daily Telegraph

2005-06-21T07:42:00.000-04:00

"Anne Hiltner, a freelance writer from Hightstown, New Jersey, says King's sadistic nurse Annie Wilkes, from his book Misery, is based on her. The lawsuit also accuses King and his distributors of defamation, copyright infringement and violation of anti-trust laws for using her private diaries to create psychic Sally Druse, a similarly frightening character in King's television mini-series The Journals of Eleanor Druse: The Kingdom Hospital Incident."
The Daily Telegraph | King's lawsuit misery

Wind River, Green Hills settle lawsuit - East Bay Business Times

2005-06-21T07:32:00.000-04:00

"Wind River Systems Inc. said it has settled all current litigation with Green Hills Software Inc. by providing the company with VxWorks Real Time Operating System in object code form. There was no money involved in the settlement."
Wind River, Green Hills settle lawsuit - 2005-06-20

U.S. Supreme Court considers limiting antitrust suits for patent holders - Bloomberg.com

2005-06-21T07:27:00.000-04:00

"The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider limiting antitrust suits against pharmaceutical companies, computer makers and other patent holders. The justices today said they will hear an appeal by Illinois Tool Works Inc., which is trying to block a lawsuit over devices it sells for use in industrial printers."
Bloomberg.com: U.S.

Change proposed in EU Microsoft case - Reuters.com

2005-06-20T07:56:00.000-04:00

"BRUSSELS - The top judge of the European Union's second-highest court has proposed changing judges in the Microsoft Corp. antitrust case, according to a letter sent to all parties in the case. The move comes after internal court criticism directed at the judge heading the Microsoft case because of a controversial article he wrote."
Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com

Avid proposed acquisition of Pinnacle clears U.S. antitrust review - Sypha Online

2005-06-16T22:56:00.000-04:00

"Avid Technology, Inc. and Pinnacle Systems, Inc. today announced that they have been granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, in connection with Avid's proposed acquisition of Pinnacle. The transaction - which is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2005 - remains subject to shareholder approvals by both companies, as well as other customary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of additional closing conditions."
SYPHA guides to NLEs, DAWs and DV cameras

Experts don't see U.S. regulators thwarting Vegas newspaper deal - Las Vegas SUN

2005-06-16T22:53:00.000-04:00

"LAS VEGAS (AP) - Industry and antitrust experts believe the deal to combine the Las Vegas Sun and Las Vegas Review-Journal should pass muster with federal regulators but the arrangement also could be a step toward the newspapers consolidating. Executives from both newspapers said when the smaller Sun appears later this year as a daily section in the larger Review-Journal, the move will not violate the terms of their 15-year-old joint operating agreement that runs until 2040. The publications already are combined on weekends."
Las Vegas SUN: Experts don't see U.S. regulators thwarting Vegas newspaper deal

Nielsen sued by ratings service provider - Crain's New York Business

2005-06-16T22:46:00.000-04:00

"Manhattan ratings service provider Nielsen Media Research was sued by television ratings provider erinMedia and production firm ReacTV for alleged anti-competitive practices. The antitrust lawsuit claims Nielsen exercises too much control over the ratings process and inaccurately measures viewing habits, resulting in millions of wasted advertising dollars, the underrepresentation of minority viewers, the cancellation of undercounted TV shows, and the 'homogenization' of American TV programming."
Crain's New York Business news, lists, rankings, directory and more

PC makers snub Windows sans media player - CNET

2005-06-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

"Four major PC makers have no plans to sell the media-player-free version of Windows, which Microsoft was ordered to offer by Europe's competition commissioner."
PC makers snub Windows sans media player | CNET News.com

AstraZeneca gets EU60 mln fine for blocking generics - Bloomberg.com

2005-06-15T08:26:00.000-04:00

"BRUSSELS - AstraZeneca Plc was fined 60 million euros ($72 million) by the European Union for blocking competition with its Prilosec stomach ulcer medicine, once the world's best-selling drug. The European Commission, the EU's antitrust authority in Brussels, said in a statement it sanctioned London-based AstraZeneca for misusing patent and drug authorization rules to keep generic versions of the drug off the market in seven countries between 1993 and 2000. The company said it will appeal."
Bloomberg.com: U.K.

Some charges tossed in Novell-Microsoft case - ZDNet

2005-06-14T09:02:00.000-04:00

"Judge J. Frederick Motz ruled that Novell can go ahead with two claims that Microsoft engaged in unfair competition with regard to Novell's WordPerfect and Quattro Pro applications. Motz ruled that the four other claims were not filled within the proper time frame."
Some charges tossed in Novell-Microsoft case | Tech News on ZDNet

Abbott settles patent suit over TriCor - Washington Post

2005-06-09T00:36:00.000-04:00

"CHICAGO - Abbott Laboratories has settled a patent fight with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., maker of a generic version of TriCor, Abbott's best-selling branded cholesterol drug. The settlement will leave alive claims that North Chicago, Ill.-based Abbott violated antitrust laws through 'market conversions,' or moves to switch users from one formulation of the drug to another to dodge competition from generic-drug makers."
Abbott Settles Patent Suit Over TriCor

Microsoft's antitrust offering 'blocks Samba' - ZDNet

2005-06-09T00:34:00.000-04:00

"Microsoft's final EC antitrust offering will exclude one of its main competitors, Samba, according to the Free Software Foundation."
Microsoft\'s antitrust offering \'blocks Samba\' - ZDNet UK News

Supreme Court refuses to hear Lexmark appeal - Houston Chronicle

2005-06-07T10:52:00.000-04:00

"RALEIGH, N.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court won't weigh in on a closely watched copyright lawsuit in which a printer manufacturer is trying to stop a computer-chip maker whose parts allowed cheaper toner cartridges to be used in name-brand machines. Lexmark International Inc. said it looks forward to continuing the fight over what it says are its intellectual property rights. The printer maker wants to block Static Control Components Inc. of Sanford, N.C. from selling the computer chips."
HoustonChronicle.com - Supreme Court stays out of battle over toner:

Microsoft antitrust remedy wins over EU - Reuters.com

2005-06-06T17:45:00.000-04:00

"BONN/BRUSSELS - Microsoft cleared a major stumbling block and won praise from the European Commission for finally putting forward acceptable proposals to comply with European Union antitrust sanctions. The risk that the EU executive might hit the world's largest software company with a fine of up to $5 million a day receded because Microsoft's proposal allows non-Microsoft work group servers to interoperate with Windows personal computers and servers."
Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com

Microsoft offers antitrust compromise, regulator says - Bloomberg.com

2005-06-06T09:16:00.000-04:00

"BRUSSELS - Microsoft Corp. agreed to give away some proprietary information on the inner workings of its Windows operating system to avert the threat of as much as $5 million in daily antitrust fines by the European Union, regulators said."
Bloomberg.com: Top Worldwide

Blue Cross awarded $1.75 million as part of generic-drug suit - startribune.com

2005-06-03T10:11:00.000-04:00

"MINNEAPOLIS - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota won a $1.75 million jury verdict this week against a generic-drug manufacturer on claims that the West Virginia company cornered the market on key ingredients for popular anti-anxiety medications and illegally jacked up the prescription price. Because of the antitrust implications, the award could be tripled."
Blue Cross awarded $1.75 million as part of generic-drug suit

Kodak gets U.S. antitrust clearance to purchase Creo - Bloomberg.com

2005-06-03T10:08:00.000-04:00

"Eastman Kodak Co., the world's largest photography company, won U.S. antitrust clearance for its $980 million acquisition of Canadian digital printing equipment maker Creo Inc."
Bloomberg.com: Canada

E.U. analyzing Microsoft proposals: Software giant meets midnight deadline in antitrust matter - MarketWatch

2005-06-02T07:41:00.000-04:00

"LOS ANGELES - Microsoft Corp. met a midnight deadline in Brussels to submit proposals on how it will comply with a landmark antitrust ruling by the European Union, and officials are now scrutinizing the proposals."
Microsoft meets E.U. antitrust deadline

EU awaits final Microsoft plan for antitrust compliance - MercuryNews.com

2005-06-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

"BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union head office said Tuesday it expects to make a decision by the end of July on whether to impose new fines on Microsoft Corp. which faces a Wednesday deadline for complying with an earlier order aimed at assuring that rivals can compete to supply accessories for its Windows platform."
MercuryNews.com | 05/31/2005 | EU awaits final Microsoft plan for antitrust compliance

EU, Microsoft work on antitrust compromise - BusinessWeek

2005-05-30T09:43:00.000-04:00

"The European Union and Microsoft Corp. entered another big week in their long-standing antitrust case, with EU regulators insisting the software giant must make more concessions to comply with a landmark ruling by Wednesday or face huge fines."
EU, Microsoft work on antitrust compromise

American Needle v NFL: Aapparel might be separate market from anti-trust perspective - Thomson-West

2005-05-26T08:50:00.001-04:00

(Andrews Publications) Apparel and hats bearing the logos of National Football League teams might be a distinct market for antitrust purposes, a federal judge in Illinois has ruled, rejecting the NFL's bid to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by a former licensee.
American Needle v NFL: Aapparel might be separate market from anti-trust perspective - Thomson-West

American Needle v NFL: Aapparel might be separate market from anti-trust perspective - Thomson-West

2005-05-26T08:50:00.000-04:00

NY get $13M in Bristol-Myers Squibb settlement - Newsday.com

2005-05-24T22:58:00.000-04:00

"SYRACUSE - State agencies and hospitals will receive more than $13 million as part of an antitrust settlement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., which was accused of unlawfully blocking less-expensive generic drugs from reaching the market. The settlement is part of $670 million Bristol-Myers agreed to pay to compensate agencies and individuals who paid illegally inflated prices for Taxol, a cancer drug, and the anti-anxiety drug, BuSpar."
Newsday.com: Spitzer: NY get $13M in Bristol-Myers Squibb settlement

Microsoft faces EU antitrust deadline - Hearsay.com

2005-05-24T08:43:00.000-04:00

European Commission spokesman Jonathan Todd has given Microsoft until the end of May to comply with its 2004 antitrust ruling 'to the Commission's satisfaction,' or penalties of up to $5 million per day may be imposed.
Related Google News

US Attorney reports second Williams trader guilty manipulating natural gas prices - LawFuel

2005-05-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

"The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California announced that Brion Scott McKenna pleaded guilty today to the manipulation of natural gas prices in interstate commerce. Mr. McKenna, 36, recently of Houston, Texas, is a former natural gas trader at Williams Energy Marketing & Trading, a subsidiary of The Williams Companies based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. McKenna entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco."
LawFuel - law, attorney, lawyer, legal news and legal resources

Gates gets antitrust clearance - Finance24

2005-05-22T21:37:00.000-04:00

"Washington - Bill Gates has received antitrust clearance from the Federal Trade Commission for a transaction with Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRKA). "
Finance24 : Gates gets antitrust clearance

US Justice dept ends anti-trust probe of Philippine carriers - PLDT

2005-05-19T09:12:00.000-04:00

"PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) said the US government has decided not to pursue further an anti-trust investigation involving Philippine telecom companies, including PLDT."
PLDT: US Justice dept ends anti-trust probe of RP carriers

Justice Dept. closes antitrust probe of 'Seattle Times' - Editor & Publisher

2005-05-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

"CHICAGO The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division announced late Friday that the Seattle Times Co. did not violate antitrust laws in its dealings with its joint operating agreement partner, Hearst Corp.'s Seattle Post-Intelligencer."
Justice Dept. Closes Antitrust Probe of 'Seattle Times'