So I’ve been watching the Kai-Fu Lee affair with interest for that last week. I’ve been trying to reconcile it with Google’s mantra of “Do No Evil” and the non-MS supporters view of Microsoft as “the evil empire.”
If Microsoft’s allegations are true – can Google still unequivocally use “Do No Evil” is their mantra? Is it evil for Microsoft to demand Mr. Lee to honor his agreement?
No.
I have not read Mr. Lee’s Non-Compete Agreement, however, I’m sure that Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez has. Obviously, he has found Microsoft’s position to have enough merit to warrant granting a temporary restraining order to prevent Mr. Lee from violating his noncompete agreement; Otherwise he would not have taken this step.
I’m concerned with Google’s request to have a different court declare the noncompete provisions of Mr. Lee invalid. Mr. Lee is an intelligent man. He knowingly entered into an agreement with his employer. He asked that his employer honor their share of the agreement, and nowhere have I seen comments to indicate that Microsoft did otherwise.
Is it evil if Google knowingly encouraged Mr. Lee to break his agreement?
Is it evil for Microsoft to demand that agreements shall be respected?
Good paper makes good friends. It also clearly lays out all the boundaries for the relationship. I guess the question now is whether or not the paper is any good?
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