[Our proposal] encourages Y2K problem-solving rather than a rush to the courthouse. It was not our goal to prevent all Y2K litigation. It was to make Y2K problem-solving a more attractive alternative. We face the threat that an avalanche of Y2K-related
lawsuits [could] overwhelm the computer industry’s ability to correct the Y2K problem. And we face frivolous litigation that seeks recovery even where there is little or no actual harm done. At least 20 Y2K-related class actions are currently pending.
Source: senate.gov/~hatch “Y2K Act”
Apr 27, 1999
Promote e-commerce without increasing regulation
There have already been over 50 legislative proposals offered this session addressing privacy. I have been skeptical of most proposals to date, as they require increased regulation of the Internet by the government. We must be careful not to stymie the
growth of new technologies with broad government regulations. [We need a] balanced policy that would ensure continued technology development in this important area and that ensures electronic commerce is able to reach its full potential.
Source: Statement before the Judiciary Committee
Apr 21, 1999
Intel: Antitrust ok if intent is to injure competition
The tension between protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights versus antitrust law against monopolistic abuses is at the heart of the FTC’s current Intel case. I believe that the FTC-- and antitrust enforcers generally -- should be rather
certain that any effort to enforce intellectual property rights both is intended to, and actually will, injure competition in a significant way, before concluding that it represents monopolistic behavior.
Source: Speech before the “Upside Summit”
Sep 17, 1998
Bundling Explorer with Windows does not serve consumers
[We should] ask whether behavior could be seen as an effort to serve consumers more efficiently, or whether it really is an effort to throw sand in the wheels of a competitor. Let’s look at Microsoft’s forced bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows.
Microsoft has yet to offer any consumer-based rationale why OEMs should not be permitted to ship PCs with the browser they think their customers want. The tie-in is both intended to, and is likely to have, a significant anticompetitive effect.
Source: Speech before the “Upside Summit”
Sep 17, 1998
Click here for 13 main quotations from Orrin Hatch on Technology.
