SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- In a strongly-worded ruling, a Seattle court has denied a request by the Microsoft Corporation to block a San Diego software company from branding themselves as Lindows.com and their Linux-based operating system, which will run popular Windows-based programs, as LindowsOS.
"We're obviously satisfied with the courts ruling. Our hope is that we can move beyond the courtroom and focus on our goal of bringing choice back to the PC business. Microsoft constantly appeals for the 'right to innovate.' I hope they will allow us to roll out our innovative operating system, which will cost a third of Microsoft's products, without further impedance," said Lindows.com Chief Executive Officer, Michael Robertson. "We've shown we can defend ourselves against a much larger corporation and we'll continue to battle in a trial if necessary."
In a written ruling handed down late Friday, the court denied Microsoft Corporation's (Nasdaq:MSFT) request for a preliminary injunction to prevent Lindows.com from using the terms "LindowsOS" and "Lindows.com."
Judge John C. Coughenour found that Microsoft had not shown that Lindows.com should be prevented from using the names Lindows.com and LindowsOS as part of their business, stating that, "Microsoft has raised serious questions about the validity of its trademark [Windows]."
The entire ruling can be read at http://www.lindows.com/opposition.
Lindows.com has released a Sneak Preview of LindowsOS to a select group of Insiders (www.lindows.com/insiders.) The Sneak Preview is not a fully completed product, but showcases many of the unique features such as a "Friendly-Install" alongside an existing Microsoft Windows operating system, a streamlined installation process which requires minimal computer knowledge, and the ability to run popular Windows-based programs. Version 1.0 will go on sale later this year for one-third of the cost of a comparable Microsoft offering. For more information see www.lindows.com/products
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About Lindows.com, Inc.
Lindows.com is a consumer company that brings choice to computer users. Lindows.com, Inc. uses the latest technology to create affordable, stable, user-friendly products. Lindows.com, Inc. was started by Michael Robertson, founder and former CEO of MP3.com. At the core of Lindows.com is a new operating system called LindowsOS, a modern, affordable, easy-to-use operating system with the ability to run both Microsoft Windows and Linux(r) software.