Texas sues Microsoft, charges interference

The Attorney General of Texas has asked a state District Court to issue aninjunction against Microsoft Corporation that would keep the software giantfrom interfering with its investigation. The Attorney General's lawsuitcenters around Microsoft's requiring customers to sign non-disclosure agreements and licensing contracts that require them to contact Microsoftbefore providing information to investigators. The suit asks that anycompanies doing business with Microsoft not be forced to comply with sucha demand.

In a statement released Friday, Texas Attorney General Dan Morales asked Microsoft "to voluntarily instruct its licensees that they don't have to comply with the prior notice provision of the contract. Microsoft declined. Prior notice to Microsoft impedes full and thorough compliance with the [civil investigative demands] and...creates a watchdog system wherein Microsoft is alerted to the Attorney General's enforcement effortand may attempt to cover its tracks."

Microsoft is now being investigated by numerous parties, including the U.S.Department of Justice, and several other states