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Microsoft sued over sign

by on14 August 2008

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Strange legal battle of the day

 

While Microsoft is no stranger to being sued, it might be a bit surprised that it has been taken on by a Boston tech firm called InterSystems. One would suspect a patent suit, but it looks like InterSystems, a longtime tenant of One Memorial Drive, is miffed over plans to open a laboratory in space it claims it has the rights to.

But the big beef between the two companies is that Microsoft wants to put a sign on a building where InterSystems grew from a tiny start-up to an international company. Paul Grabscheid, vice president of strategic planning for InterSystems, said that he wanted to stay in the building and the idea of working under a Microsoft sign is not so appealing. His outfit occupies 88,000 square feet in the 17-story building along the banks of the Charles River. Microsoft currently occupies 80,000 square feet and wants to add 60,000 more next year.

Now, the whole thing has ended up in Middlesex Superior Court with InterSystems asking a judge to prevent Microsoft from moving into the upper floors. The outfit has also sued the building owner, Equity Office Partners, a subsidiary of The Blackstone Group, contending that it conspired with Microsoft to lease space that InterSystem had rights to, and sought to drive up rents in the process.

More here.

Last modified on 15 August 2008
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