Sun Microsystems has accused the software giant, Microsoft, of breach of contract in an action which could eventually force Microsoft to re-jig some of its most popular software.
In its lawsuit filed in a San Jose, California, federal court, Sun accused Microsoft of corrupting its Java software technology, violating a 1996 licensing agreement.
Sun said its complaint seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction stopping Microsoft from using the "Java Compatible" logo or claiming its products are compatible with other products developed using Java technology.
A Sun executive said the company is also seeking unspecified monetary damages and said it would withhold new Java technology from Microsoft. A Microsoft official dismissed the lawsuit as "100 per cent pure hypocrisy". Sun said Microsoft was deliberately altering Java to disable the features that could make Microsoft's Windows software standard irrelevant, which would pose a threat to Microsoft's chief source of revenue.
"To allow one company to so flagrantly violate their contract is a major disservice to the other 116 licensees (of Java)," said Mr Alan Baratz, head of Sun's JavaSoft division. The lawsuit accused Microsoft of trademark infringement, false advertising, unfair competition and interference with prospective economic advantage.
