[Am-info] MS FIN Flash

[Mark Hinds]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 17:31:48 -0800
Subject: Freedom To Innovate Network Newsletter


A FINFlash Update: DOJ files Statement on Proposed Antitrust Settlement

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On Thursday, November 15, the Justice Department filed its Competitive
Impact Statement (CIS) with the U.S. District Court, marking the first
step in the Tunney Act Review, a law that invites public comment on
a proposed antitrust settlement. Once the CIS and the Proposed Final
Judgment are published in the Federal Register, the 60-day public
comment
period will begin.

Now that the litigation phase of the Microsoft case is over, the
government anticipates and is seeking your thoughts on this matter.
The Justice Department has indicated that it will give all comments
due consideration.

FIN members have been critically important throughout the three-year
history of this case by making sure your public officials hear from
real people about the needs of consumers, the industry and the economy.
Your varied opinions help to ensure that our government officials hear
from more than just lobbyists and special interests.

Now, the Department of Justice is actively seeking your advice as well -
and your input will be more important than ever before.  Whatever your
opinion is on the case or the settlement, your government wants to hear
from you, and we encourage you to let your voice be heard.

The FIN will notify you when the CIS is published in the Federal
Register and the Tunney Act process will begin, and we encourage each
of you to continue taking part in the decisions your government makes,
by responding to its request for comment on whether you believe the
proposed settlement is in the public interest.  Until then, you can
stay on top of the matter by visiting the Freedom to Innovate Web site
at www.microsoft.com/freedomtoinnovate .

For more information about the Tunney Act, and how you will be able to
submit your comments when the Review period begins, visit the Justice
Department's site at http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/ms-settle.htm#submit
.