Re: what if microsoft disobeyed the breakup?

From: zeb haradon (zebharadon@hotmail.com)
Date: Thu Jun 08 2000 - 16:28:01 MDT


What precautions can be taken, if you're starting up a company which you
expect (hope) will dominate the industry in a few years? I had thought Gates
should just quit, dissolve the company, etc., and it was pointed out that he
can't, since he actually owns just a small part of the coroporation. What
could he, and other early MS executives done early on in the company's
history to remedy what is happening today?
One possibility is just an informal agreement (requiring dedication) between
the highest level execs of a company that if the company is ever broken up,
or regulation reaches a certain level, they'll quit and sell all their
stocks in the company. Another possibility - do not allow the company itself
to own any intellectual property. All intellectual property would be owned
exclusively by individuals. The individual makes a monthly contract with the
corporation to lease the intellectual property rights. The individual may
resfuse to renew the contract for whatever reason (for example, breakup of
the company). The individuals owning the intellectual property would be the
CEO, CIO, etc. Any other ideas?

---------------------------------------------------
Zeb Haradon (zebharadon@hotmail.com)
My personal webpage:
http://www.inconnect.com/~zharadon/ubunix
A movie I'm directing:
http://www.elevatormovie.com

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