Microsoft sues Google over staff-poaching (Edited 22-7-2005)

Google has emerged as a top rival for Microsoft. The company is seen as an aggressive rival to Microsoft in areas such as desktop search and email. In addition, its services work well with any operating system. Several notable employees have left Microsoft for Google in recent months, and finally a straw has broken the camel's back: Microsoft on Tuesday sued Google and a former Microsoft executive who has been hired by Google to run its China operations.

Re: Microsoft sues Google over staff-poaching

Microsoft alleged earlier this week that Google illegally poached Kai Fu Lee, breaching a non-competition agreement. Google has just retaliated by suing back. Google filed the action in a California court alleging that Microsoft's action was "intimidation". Microsoft claims that it's confident its original action will be vindicated when it gets to court.