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Sun sues Microsoft
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October 7, 1997: 4:29 p.m. ET
Computer maker charges contract breach in software giant's use of Java
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Sun Microsystems Inc. said Tuesday it filed a federal lawsuit against Microsoft Corp., alleging the software giant breached its contractual obligation for delivering Java-compatible products. Sun threatened to revoke Microsoft's license to use Java.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif., relates to Microsoft's latest web browser, Internet Explorer 4.0, and its Software Development Kit for Java, which is designed for developers to support the technology.
Sun created the original Java technology. It says Microsoft's latest products don't conform with industry standards.
Specifically, the complaint charges Microsoft with trademark infringement, false advertising, breach of contract, unfair competition, interference with prospective economic advantage and inducing breach of contract.
"We've taken this action because believe it is necessary to preserve the value of the Java technology," Alan Baratz, president of Sun's JavaSoft subsidiary, explained to reporters and analysts during a Tuesday afternoon conference call.
Baratz said their goal is not to revoke Microsoft's license of the Java logo and technology but to force the software giant to come back into compliance.
Sun said it is seeking to enjoin Microsoft from using the Java-compatible logo and promoting Internet Explorer 4.0 as conforming with Java standards. Sun is also seeking unspecified damages.
A Microsoft official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called Sun Micro's claims "outrageous."
-- from staff and wire reports
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