Google: Microsoft suit could crimp China efforts | CNET News.com

Google: Microsoft suit could crimp China efforts | CNET News.com: "Losing the services of Kai-Fu Lee for the rest of this year would have a profound effect on Google's recruiting efforts in China, the search engine company has argued in its legal battle with Microsoft.
In court papers filed last week, Google also claimed that Microsoft's lawsuit over Lee's defection is driven by the Redmond, Wash.-based company's fear that, because of Lee's 'powerful reputation' among Chinese students, 'many of the students both companies seek to recruit would go to Google, not Microsoft.'
The two tech giants are locked in a complex and bitter dispute over Lee, who left an executive post at Microsoft in July to lead a new Google research and development center in China and serve as president of its Chinese operations. Microsoft promptly sued, claiming Lee would be breaking a noncompete agreement in assuming his new role.
A Washington state judge has temporarily barred Lee from performing work at Google that competes with what he did at Microsoft--including planning for the Chinese search market. The judge is slated to hear arguments next week on whether to extend the ban until a trial set for January. "