The Google Insider

Yesterday, December 23rd 2005, Google and Microsoft came to terms about the newly hired Kai-Fu Lee by Google. There have been many rumors and discussions about the liability and breach of contracts by Google, Microsoft, and Lee. The settlement recently came to terms and they are finally willing to just stop the whole deal. The terms of the ‘non-compete’ contract were in breach by Lee being hired by Google. The dispute really ratcheted up some nerves between the companies as they are competing in the same industry of search, advertising, and products. With a surprise, the two companies came to terms but would not disclose any of the Terms and Conditions to the public, but it seems that it has finally been resolved.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates testified in September that Lee was “one of the top two'’ people influencing the company’s strategy in China.

It seems that Lee was a ‘hot product’ on the market and that Gates really did have an eye on him and wanted to keep him. Google got the better end of the deal and now is looking to push forward with the services of Lee for the company.