Microsoft Mulls Legal Poke at Facebook for Poaching Ad Execs
The Microsoft Facebook relationship is teetering after Facebook poached Microsoft's advertising executive Carolyn Everson. Indeed, Microsoft may use legal action to try to keep her there, reports All Things Digital.
Everson, who came to Microsoft from MTV Networks, was just hired last June after a long search. Microsoft is crying foul over the loss of their global ad sales head. But will they take it court?
Lawyers from Microsoft and Facebook have been going back and forth, with an eye toward the courtroom. Sources close to the situation indicate that Microsoft will probably use the standard non-compete and confidentiality contracts against Everson to prevent her from working there. Perhaps even a restraining order.
Just recently, Microsoft used a temporary restraining order to prevent its top government relations executive, Matt Miszewski, from working at Salesforce.com.
"Microsoft was one of our earliest partners and is still one of our most valued. We look forward to continuing to expand our relationship with them," Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said.
Despite being private, Facebook was recently valued at between $50 and $60 billion by investors and are planning an initial public offering next year.
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