Microsoft’s Japanese HQ raided
p2pnet.net News:- Microsoft’s Tokyo HQ was today raided by Japan’s Trade Commission (FTC) following allegations that MS, “forced Japanese PC makers to accept a contractual clause stipulating that they will not bring a case to court even if the software giant’s technologies are very similar to those developed by Japanese firms,” says a Kyodo News report here.
The FTC allegations concern Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system, frequently used in PCs sold in Japan.
“According to the sources, the FTC suspects Microsoft demanded such a clause that puts Japanese PC makers at a disadvantage by capitalizing on its dominant position in the PC operating software market,” says the story.
The FTC will order Microsoft to remove the clause if its probes confirm the company’s conduct is violating the Antimonopoly Law.
A spokesman for Microsoft’s Tokyo office admitted the FTC had raided the headquarters, but declined to elaborate, the report states, going on:
“We are trying to look into the details of the investigation and will decide what to do as soon as we get to know the full details, including whether we will hold a press conference on this matter,” the spokesman said.
The isn’t the first time Microsoft has been in trouble with the Japanese anti-monopoly watchdog.
In 1998, it warned Microsoft to stop what it called the unfair business practice of demanding Japanese PC makers install the Excel spreadsheet and the Word application together, says Kyodo News, adding:
“At the time, the FTC also warned against Microsoft’s practice of requiring PC makers to accept the Internet Explorer browser as part of its operating system amid competition with a rival browser, saying it was questionable from an antitrust viewpoint.”
