14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has scored its first point in the match with Google. A judge from Seattle's King County Superior Court, Steven Gonzalez, has issued an order that prevents Lee from working for Google until September 6, when the next session is scheduled.
On September 6, it will be established if Lee will be allowed to work for Google or if the court's decision that prevents him from being the director of the new research center from Beijing will remain valid until January, when the lawsuit is set to take place.
Judge Gonzalez's decision is based on the fact that Microsoft has succeeded to justify its fears according to which, Lee's hiring might cause Microsoft damages.
Through this order, Lee is not only forbidden to accept Google's offer, but he is also forbidden from disclosing details about the plans Microsoft has for China.
In the same time, Lee is not allowed to attempt to persuade other Microsoft employees to migrate towards Google. Gonzalez has requested Microsoft to deposit $1 million, a sum which will be received by, if the court proves that the restriction order was not fair.
Google said that the lawsuit with Microsoft has no basis, because the company will not use Lee in direct competition with Microsoft. Google and Lee have to turn over all their documents that have something to do with Lee's work with the Redmond company to Microsoft.
Google has sued Microsoft in California on account that Lee's area of expertise is not related to the searching technology and that he didn't violate his contract with Microsoft.