Novell vs. Microsoft in Utah trial over Windows 95

A legal blame game between high-tech industry giants Novell Inc. and Microsoft Corp. is under way in a Salt Lake City federal court as the companies squabble over fair business practices.

The Provo, Utah-based Novell sued Microsoft in 2004, claiming the Redmond, Wash., company violated U.S. antitrust laws through its arrangements with other computer makers when it launched Windows 95.

The Deseret News reports a jury heard opening statements Tuesday in U.S. District Court in a trial predicted to last eight weeks.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is expected to testify.

Novell contends Microsoft's use of deceptive, bait-and-switch practices left it unable to gain a foothold in the emerging home computer software market. Microsoft attorneys argue that the company had operated fairly in a competitive marketplace.

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