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Microsoft Wants Google Hiring Stopped, too funny

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Andrew

Posted: Jul 21 2005, 07:48 AM

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Microsoft Wants Google Hiring Stopped (BetaNews)

QUOTE

Microsoft announced late Tuesday that it would be pursuing legal action against Google as well as a former executive that jumped ship to the search giant in an effort to prevent his hiring. The executive, Kai-Fu Lee, was a vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Services division.

Lee's new role with Google will be as head of the company's new Chinese research and development center. Google announced Lee's hiring on Tuesday as part of a press release regarding the center's opening - a rare occurrence as the company normally does not publicize the hiring of new executives.

"It has always been my goal to make advanced technologies accessible and useful to every user, as well as to be part of the vibrant growth and innovation in China today," Lee said of his new job.

"Joining Google uniquely enables me to pursue both of my passions and I look forward to returning to China to begin this exciting endeavor."

But Microsoft is not happy with the news. Shortly after the announcement, Microsoft released a statement saying that by accepting the position, Lee will be breaking confidentiality and non-competition agreements he signed when accepting his position at Microsoft.

Apparently, Microsoft fears that Lee has knowledge of Microsoft's intentions in China that could assist Google in its plans to expand into the country.

"He has accepted a position focused on the same set of technologies and strategies for a direct competitor in egregious violation of his explicit contractual obligations," Microsoft argued in a statement.

But Google disputed those accusations in a statement to BetaNews.

"We have reviewed Microsoft's claims and they are completely without merit. Google is focused on building the best place in the world for great innovators to work," a company spokesperson said. "We're thrilled to have Dr. Lee on board at Google. We will defend vigorously against these meritless claims and will fully support Dr. Lee."

Come on Microsoft maybe you should be focusing on why employees are leaving in the first place.

_Z_	Posted: Jul 22 2005, 01:43 AM
O-4 Major Group: Founders Posts: 2,306 Member No.: 2 Joined: 18-November 04	That's nuts. If Lee wants to work for another company, that's his right. If M$ had their way, they'd probably execute former employees to keep their secrets safe. But you just can't do that. And they're not the 'outfit' (CIA), so you're not in 'for life'. If that were the case, a person could only have 1 job if they worked at M$, after that, they'd have to be on unemployment or welfare. Either that, or start a new career. Maybe these crazy confidentiality dictates are why M$ isn't hanging on to their employess- hmmm?

Ducc	Posted: Jul 22 2005, 06:42 PM
O-4 Major Group: Founders Posts: 2,453 Member No.: 4 Joined: 18-November 04	I thought it was common for companies to require employees to sign a contract that says they won't work for a competitor for X years after leaving. No?

Andrew	Posted: Jul 22 2005, 11:41 PM
Chief of Staff Group: Admin Posts: 9,017 Member No.: 1 Joined: 17-November 04	Ducc, I don't think that it legal. They can make them sign confidentiality agreements that prevents them from taking company secrets from one job to the next but lets be realistic how are you really going to enforce that unless the other company comes right out with an identical product that violates patent law. I'm sure lawyers have come up with all sorts of ridiculous contracts trying to control this sort of thing but I don't believe it is realistic to expect it to be upheld in court.

_Z_	Posted: Jul 23 2005, 08:46 AM
O-4 Major Group: Founders Posts: 2,306 Member No.: 2 Joined: 18-November 04	However I think they can enforce confidentiality agreements as to other employ while the employee is engaged at that company (i.e.- moonlighting). As far as I know, only the classified data and processes are legally supported under the confidentiality agreement clause, unless there's matters of national security or government safeguard involved. Then it gets more sticky...

Andrew

Posted: Aug 1 2005, 10:55 AM

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Judge: Google Can't Hire Ex-MS Exec (BetaNews)

QUOTE

Microsoft has won the first battle in what is set to be a protracted court case that will pit the company against one of its biggest rivals: Google. A Seattle Superior Court judge has said that Microsoft's fears of leaked trade secrets were fair, and barred Google from hiring a former Redmond executive until a full hearing can be held.

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