Microsoft wins round one in Google fight
2 August 2005
A US judge has ruled that the former Microsoft executive who left the firm for rival Google cannot start immediately at the search company.
In a bitter court fight between the two internet companies, Microsoft has accused Mr Lee of violating an agreement he signed in 2000 barring him from working for a direct competitor in a similar post. However, Google and Mr Lee insist that he was not employed as a search expert and had limited contact with Microsoft's China operations since 2000.
Superior Court judge Steven Gonzalez granted a temporary restraining order last week barring Kai-Fu Lee from working at Google on any product, service or project similar to those he worked on at Microsoft.
Google hired Mr Lee to lead a new research and development centre in China and has now requested a list from Microsoft of the tasks he cannot perform.
Google's lawyer Nicole Wong said the decision was temporary, while the court considers both company's positions and insisted: "We are confident that once the judge has done so, he will side with Google and Dr Lee. Microsoft will not prevail in its intimidation campaign."
Microsoft spokeswoman Stacy Drake announced that the ruling will stand until September 6th, when a new hearing will take place. The trial has been set for January 9th.
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