Zurich American Sues Microsoft

Zurich American Insurance Co. has filed a federal suit in Washington against Microsoft Corp., asking for a ruling that the coverage it wrote for the company does not apply to damages and settlement costs in private antitrust suits.

Microsoft faces almost 140 private suits seeking damages based on Microsoft’s alleged anticompetitive behavior. Zurich’s obligation to cover damages as well as its duty to pay Microsoft’s legal costs is the question posed in the suit. Zurich contends its policy does not cover claims arising from antitrust violations and other anticompetitive activities.

Microsoft was found guilty of violating antitrust laws in early April. A May 24 hearing has been set to remedy the case.