| DOJ and Microsoft Reach
                  Settlement | 
               
              
                11/2. The Department of
                  Justice (DOJ) and Microsoft
                  agreed to terms of settlement of the government's antitrust
                  law suit against Microsoft. They released a Stipulation
                  and Proposed Final Judgment which prohibits Microsoft from
                  engaging in certain enumerated business practices, and
                  specifies enforcement mechanisms.
                   
                  The Proposed Final Judgment (PFJ) requires Microsoft to
                  establish uniform licensing practices, to allow OEMs to put
                  icons and shortcuts on the desktop, and to disclose certain
                  application programming interfaces (APIs) and communications
                  protocols. The PFJ also bars Microsoft from preventing
                  original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from distributing or
                  promoting non Microsoft middleware, such as browsers, and from
                  preventing the automatic launching of such middleware. The PFJ
                  also bans certain exclusive dealing, and compels the licensing
                  of certain Microsoft intellectual property rights (IPR).
                   
                  The PFJ has a duration of five years, but can be extended. It
                  provides that the DOJ may continue to investigate Microsoft
                  via depositions, interrogatories and inspections. It also
                  creates a three person technical committee to monitor
                  Microsoft's compliance with the PFJ for the Court. The PFJ
                  provides that the Court retains jurisdiction, and that only
                  the DOJ has remedies under the PFJ.
                   
                  None of the states that also sued Microsoft are yet a party to
                  the settlement. Also, the PFJ has yet to be approved by the
                  newly assigned U.S. District Court Judge, Colleen Kotelly.
                   
                  Attorney General John Ashcroft stated that "A vigorously
                  competitive software industry is vital to our economy and
                  effective antitrust enforcement is crucial to preserving
                  competition in this constantly evolving high-tech arena. ...
                  This historic settlement will bring effective relief to the
                  market and ensure that consumers will have more choices in
                  meeting their computer needs." See, DOJ
                  release.
                   
                  Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates
                  said in statement
                  that "This agreement contains significant rules and
                  regulations on how we develop and license our software, but it
                  also allows Microsoft to keep innovating on behalf of
                  consumers. It goes beyond the Court of Appeals decision in
                  some areas, and provides for ongoing oversight by an
                  independent committee. We are resolved to implementing this
                  settlement promptly and fully, and we will put all the
                  necessary resources in place to ensure this." See also, MSFT
                  release. | 
               
             
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                | Summary of the Enforcement
                  Provisions of the Proposed Final Judgment | 
               
              
                11/2. The Proposed
                  Final Judgment (PFJ) negotiated by Microsoft and the
                  Justice Department also provides for enforcement of its terms.
                   
                  No Third Party Rights. The PFJ creates no remedies for
                  states, Microsoft's competitors, or any other third parties.
                  It states that "The United States shall have exclusive
                  responsibility for enforcing this Final Judgment." See,
                  PFJ, § IV.A.1. It further states that "Nothing in this
                  Final Judgment is intended to confer upon any other persons
                  any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever ..." See,
                  PFJ, § VIII.
                   
                  Inspection, Depositions and Interrogatories. The PFJ
                  gives the DOJ many authorities to facilitate its enforcement
                  of the terms of the PFJ. It allows it "Access during
                  normal office hours to inspect any and all source code, books,
                  ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda and other
                  documents and records in the possession, custody, or control
                  of Microsoft ..." It also allows the DOJ to interview
                  Microsoft employees either "informally or on the
                  record". It also requires Microsoft to respond, under
                  oath, to written interrogatories from the DOJ. See, PFJ, §
                  IV.A.2.
                   
                  Further Court Proceedings. The PFJ also allows the DOJ
                  "to seek such orders as are necessary from the Court to
                  enforce this Final Judgment ..." See, PFJ, § IV.A.4.
                   
                  Technical Committee. The PFJ requires the appointment
                  of a three person technical committee (TC), to be located at
                  Microsoft's Redmond campus, that will provide services to the
                  Court. The PFJ provides that "The TC shall have the power
                  and authority to monitor Microsoft's compliance with its
                  obligations under this final judgment." The DOJ picks one
                  member; Microsoft picks a second; and these two pick a third.
                  All are required to be unbiased experts in software design and
                  engineering. See, PFJ, § IV.B.
                   
                  Microsoft Internal Compliance Officer. The PFJ requires
                  Microsoft to appoint an internal Compliance Officer with
                  duties enumerated in the PFJ. See, PFJ, § IV.C.
                   
                  Five Year Duration. The PFJ states that "Unless
                  this Court grants an extension, this Final Judgment will
                  expire on the fifth anniversary of the date it is entered by
                  the Court." See, PFJ, § V. | 
               
             
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                | Reaction to the Microsoft
                  Proposed Final Judgment | 
               
              
                11/2. Reaction to the Proposed Final Judgment (PFJ)
                  negotiated by Microsoft and the Department of Justice has been
                  as varied as support for the underlying lawsuit. Those who
                  opposed the government's law suit have tended to praise the
                  settlement, while those who supported the law suit and favored
                  the break up of Microsoft condemned the settlement.
                   
                  Jeffrey Eisenach of the Progress
                  and Freedom Foundation said in a release
                  that the "settlement that fails to meaningfully address
                  any of the court's findings. It's an embarrassment for the
                  Justice Department, a disservice to the law and an affront to
                  the DC Circuit." He also stated that "The states
                  should not accept this deal, and the judge should reject it,
                  with prejudice." Anti Microsoft groups also condemned the
                  PFJ. See, SIIA
                  release and CCIA release
                  and analysis.
                   
                  In contrast, Robert Levy of the Cato
                  Institute said that settlement "means Microsoft's
                  billionaire rivals will have failed in their attempt to use
                  government to win in the political arena what they couldn't
                  win in the marketplace. It also means that consumers won’t
                  have to pick up the tab while high-tech executives devote more
                  resources to politicking than to the development of integrated
                  products. To settle the case, Microsoft will have to make more
                  concessions than justified by this baseless lawsuit and the
                  company still faces litigation from competitors, opportunistic
                  trial lawyers, the European Union, and perhaps even state
                  attorneys general who don't agree to the settlement. That's
                  regrettable, but at least the federal antitrust lawsuit won't
                  be around to sap economic growth so essential to the post WTC
                  recovery."
                   
                  House Majority Leader Dick
                  Armey (R-TX) also released a statement
                  in which he said that "Although this issue should have
                  been settled long ago, today's decision is welcome. In a time
                  of economic distress, the court has delivered a homerun for
                  consumers. Businesses should not be afraid that when they
                  create popular products, they'll be saddled with endless
                  litigation. They shouldn't be second guessed by lawyers and
                  bureaucrats. It's the consumers who benefit when companies
                  spend less time in the courtroom, and more time developing new
                  products. I urge the state attorneys general to avoid dragging
                  this case out in these tough economic times. This is a case
                  that the government should never have brought." | 
               
             
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                | Trade News | 
               
              
                10/31. Rep. Henry Hyde
                  (R-IL) introduced HR 3189,
                  a bill to extend the Export Administration Act until April 20,
                  2002.
                   
                  11/1. Sen. Max Baucus
                  (D-MT) spoke in the Senate to express his concerns about the
                  upcoming World Trade
                  Organization (WTO) meeting in Doha, Qatar. He addressed
                  protecting the U.S. softwood lumber and steel industries,
                  including environment and labor provisions, and assuring
                  accession of Taiwan to the WTO. See, Congressional Record,
                  November 1, 2001, at page S11355.
                   
                  10/31. Rep. Marcy
                  Kaptur (D-OH) stated in the House, again, that Doha,
                  Qatar, is not an appropriate site for the WTO
                  ministerial." She cited Qatar's opposition to U.S.
                  actions in Afghanistan, Qatar's record on human rights, and
                  Qatar's treatment of women. Kaptur is also a leading
                  protectionist on trade issues. See, Congressional Record,
                  October 31, 2001, at page H7563-4.
                   
                  10/31. Rep. Joe
                  Knollenberg (R-MI) also spoke in the House about trade and
                  granting the President trade promotion authority. He stated
                  that "we have to pass trade promotion authority now. If
                  we do not, we will let down America's world class workers,
                  farmers and businesses. The global marketplace is increasingly
                  competitive. Without TPA, America will lag behind. Our foreign
                  competitors have negotiated some 130 preferential agreements
                  while we, absent TPA, have negotiated exactly three. We need
                  to get back in the game." See, Congressional Record,
                  October 31, 2001, at page H7534.
                   
                  11/2. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) stated that a U.S.
                  trade official said that a Brazilian proposal on drug patents
                  would undermine the WTO agreement on Trade Related Aspects of
                  Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). See, DOS
                  release. | 
               
             
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                | USPTO Encourages Fax Use
                  for Some Communications | 
               
              
                | 11/2. Nicolas Godici, acting head of the USPTO, wrote a letter
                  in which he stated that "we at the USPTO would like to
                  encourage you to communicate with the USPTO via facsimile.
                  Facsimile transmissions may be used for correspondence as set
                  forth in 37 CFR 1.6 such as: amendments, petitions for
                  extension of time, authorization to charge a deposit account,
                  an IDS, terminal disclaimers, a notice of appeal, an appeal
                  brief, CPAs under 37 CFR 1.53(d), and RCEs." However, the
                  USPTO also stated that "the Office currently does not
                  permit new application filings (other than a CPA under 37 CFR
                  1.53(d)), requests for reexamination, drawings, and certain
                  correspondence set forth in 37 CFR 1.6(d) by facsimile." | 
               
             
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                | Summary of Prohibited
                  Conduct Sections of the Proposed Final Judgment | 
               
              
                11/2. The Proposed
                  Final Judgment (PFJ) prohibits Microsoft from engaging in
                  certain business practices, and requires it to follow certain
                  other practices.
                   
                  No Retaliation. Microsoft is prohibited from
                  retaliating against any original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
                  for developing or selling any competing software. The PFJ
                  states that "Microsoft shall not retaliate against an OEM
                  by altering Microsoft's commercial relations with that OEM ...
                  because it is known to Microsoft that the OEM is or is
                  contemplating: 1. developing, distributing, promoting, using,
                  selling, or licensing any software that competes with
                  Microsoft Platform Software or any product or service that
                  distributes or promotes any Non-Microsoft Middleware; 2.
                  shipping a Personal Computer that (a) includes both a
                  Windows Operating System Product and a non-Microsoft Operating
                  System, or (b) will boot with more than one Operating
                  System; or 3. exercising any of the options or alternatives
                  provided for under this Final Judgment." See, PFJ, §
                  III.A.
                   
                  Uniform License Agreements. The PFJ states that
                  "Microsoft's provision of Windows Operating System
                  Products to Covered OEMs shall be pursuant to uniform license
                  agreements with uniform terms and conditions." See, PFJ,
                  § III.B.
                   
                  No Restriction on Desktop Icons and Shortcuts. The PFJ
                  states that "Microsoft shall not restrict by agreement
                  any OEM licensee from exercising any of the following options
                  or alternatives: 1. Installing, and displaying icons,
                  shortcuts, or menu entries for, any Non-Microsoft Middleware
                  or any product or service ... that distributes, uses,
                  promotes, or supports any Non-Microsoft Middleware, on the
                  desktop or Start menu, or anywhere else ..." See, PFJ, §
                  III.C.1.
                   
                  Middleware. The PFJ bars Microsoft from preventing OEMs
                  from distributing or promoting non Microsoft middleware, such
                  as browsers, Java Virtual Machine, media players, messaging
                  software, and e-mail software. See, PFJ, § III.C.2. The PFJ
                  also bars Microsoft from restricting OEMs from "Launching
                  automatically, at the conclusion of the initial boot sequence
                  or subsequent boot sequences, or upon connections to or
                  disconnections from the Internet, any Non-Microsoft Middleware
                  ..." See, PFJ, § III.C.3.
                   
                  Disclosure of APIs and Communications Protocols. The
                  PFJ contains provisions designed to give independent software
                  vendors (ISVs) and others the opportunity to develop products
                  that compete with Microsoft's middleware products. These
                  provisions require the disclosure of application programming
                  interfaces (APIs) and communications protocols.
                   
                  The PFJ requires Microsoft to disclose "for the sole
                  purpose of interoperating with a Windows Operating System
                  Product, via the Microsoft Developer Network
                  ("MSDN") or similar mechanisms, the APIs and related
                  Documentation that are used by Microsoft Middleware to
                  interoperate with a Windows Operating System Product."
                  See, PFJ, § III.D.
                   
                  Moreover, the PFJ requires Microsoft to "make available
                  for use by third parties, for the sole purpose of
                  interoperating with a Windows Operating System Product, on
                  reasonable and non-discriminatory terms ..., any
                  Communications Protocol that is, on or after the date this
                  Final Judgment is submitted to the Court, (i) implemented
                  in a Windows Operating System Product installed on a client
                  computer, and (ii) used to interoperate natively (i.e.,
                  without the addition of software code to the client or server
                  operating system products) with Windows 2000 Server or
                  products marketed as its successors installed on a server
                  computer." (Parentheses in original.) See, PFJ, § III.E.
                   
                  However, the PFJ also limits disclosure by Microsoft. It
                  states that Microsoft is not required to disclose
                  "portions of APIs or Documentation or portions or layers
                  of Communications Protocols the disclosure of which would
                  compromise the security of anti-piracy, anti-virus, software
                  licensing, digital rights management, encryption or
                  authentication systems, including without limitation, keys,
                  authorization tokens or enforcement criteria." See, PFJ,
                  § III.J.1.
                   
                  No Exclusive Agreements. The PFJ prohibits Microsoft
                  from entering into agreements requiring the exclusive support
                  or development of certain Microsoft software. It provides,
                  subject to certain exceptions, that "Microsoft shall not
                  enter into any agreement ... on the condition that such entity
                  distributes, promotes, uses, or supports, exclusively or in a
                  fixed percentage, any Microsoft Platform Software ..."
                  See, PFJ, § III.G.
                   
                  Compulsory Licensing of IPR. The PFJ requires Microsoft
                  to license intellectual property rights (IPR) to ISVs and
                  others "that are required to exercise any of the options
                  or alternatives expressly provided to them under this Final
                  Judgment, provided that 1. all terms, including royalties or
                  other payment of monetary consideration, are reasonable and
                  non-discriminatory; 2. the scope of any such license (and the
                  intellectual property rights licensed thereunder) need be no
                  broader than is necessary ... 3. ... rights may be conditioned
                  on its not assigning, transferring or sublicensing its rights
                  under any license granted under this provision ..."
                  (Parentheses in original.) See, PFJ, § III.I. | 
               
             
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                | Surveillance of Cable
                  Subscribers Under the Anti Terrorism Bill | 
               
              
                10/31. Rep. Billy
                  Tauzin (R-LA), Chairman of the House Commerce Committee,
                  submitted a statement for the Congressional Record regarding
                  the meaning and intent of Section 211 of HR 3162,
                  the anti terrorism bill, which President Bush signed into law
                  on October 26.
                   
                  Section 211 of the anti terrorism act amends Section 631 of
                  the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
                  § 551), which prohibits cable companies from disclosing
                  certain customer information. Section 211 was included in the
                  bill to clarify that laws regarding interception and
                  disclosure of wire and electronic communications apply to
                  cable service providers when they provide telephony or
                  Internet access services. Without this new provision,
                  terrorists and other criminals could have avoided surveillance
                  by obtaining telephone service from cable operators. However,
                  this section still excepts "records revealing cable
                  subscriber selection of video programming from a cable
                  operator."
                   
                  Rep. Tauzin's statement articulates this purpose. However, he
                  offers further information about the underlying intent of the
                  Congress. For example, he states that under Section 211 the
                  government can obtain a "cable subscriber's name,
                  address, or the means of payment" but not what programs
                  he watched. Second, he stated that the privacy protection for
                  cable video programming does not extend to "streaming of
                  content over the Internet".
                   
                  Rep. Tauzin stated that section 211 "clarifies that cable
                  television subscribers continue to enjoy certain privacy
                  protections, while also ensuring that law enforcement
                  officials have the same ability to gain access to cable
                  subscriber Internet and telephony information as they do with
                  conventional telephone service. The drafters of this language
                  intend the phrase 'records revealing cable subscriber
                  selection of video programming from a cable operator' to mean
                  information about which video programming service or services
                  a cable subscriber has purchased from a cable company. It does
                  not include information such as a cable subscriber's name,
                  address, or the means of payment. Importantly, this language
                  does not impose any new requirements on cable companies to
                  maintain or collect additional records containing subscriber
                  information."
                   
                  Rep. Tauzin continued that " 'Video programming' is
                  intended to refer to traditional video programming services
                  comparable to broadcast television ... as opposed to the
                  emerging types of video programming services that enable
                  subscribers to communicate with other viewers or subscribers.
                  Nor does 'video programming' include streaming of content over
                  the Internet."
                   
                  Rep. Tauzin also stated that "to the extent a cable
                  company enables its subscribers to communicate with other
                  persons through the provision of telephone service or Internet
                  access service, it must comply with the same laws, found in
                  title 18, governing the interception and disclosure of wire
                  and electronic communications that apply to any other
                  telephone company or Internet service provider. In these
                  instances, Section 631 simply would not apply." See,
                  Congressional Record, October 31, 2001, at page  E1969. | 
               
             
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                | About Tech Law Journal | 
               
                Tech Law Journal is a free access web site and e-mail alert
                  that provides news, records, and analysis of legislation,
                  litigation, and regulation affecting the computer and Internet
                  industry. This e-mail service is offered free of charge to
                  anyone who requests it. Just provide TLJ an e-mail address. 
                   
                  Number of subscribers: 2,244. 
                  Contact: 202-364-8882; E-mail. 
                  P.O. Box 4851, Washington DC, 20008. 
                  Privacy
                  Policy 
                  Notices
                  & Disclaimers 
                  Copyright 1998 - 2001 David Carney, dba Tech Law Journal. All
                  rights reserved. | 
               
             
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                | Letter from the Publisher | 
               
              
                | Starting on January 1, 2002, the Tech Law Journal Daily
                  E-Mail Alert will be a subscription based service. All persons
                  who have already subscribed, or who subscribe before December
                  31, 2001, will be kept on the subscription list until December
                  31, 2001. The basic rate for a subscription is $250 per year.
                  However, there are discounts for entities with multiple
                  subscribers. Free one month trial subscriptions will be
                  available. Also, free subscriptions will be provided for law
                  students, journalists, elected officials, and employees of the
                  Congress, courts, executive branch, and state government. The
                  TLJ web site will remain a free access web site. No hyperlinks
                  will be broken. However, copies of the TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert
                  and news items will not be published in the web site until
                  after a one month delay. See, subscription
                  information page.
                   David Carney 
                  Publisher 
                  Tech Law Journal 
                  202-364-8882 
                 | 
               
             
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                | Rogan to Get Confirmation
                  Hearing | 
               
              
                11/1. James
                  Rogan, President Bush's nominee to head the USPTO, is
                  finally scheduled to receive a confirmation hearing before the
                  Senate Judiciary
                  Committee. The Senate Republican High Tech Task Force sent
                  a letter last week to Sen.
                  Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Committee, seeking
                  prompt consideration of this nomination. See, HTTF
                  release.
                   
                  Rogan, a Republican, was a member of the House Judiciary
                  Committee, and its Courts and Intellectual Property
                  Subcommittee, until he was defeated in the 2000 general
                  election. He is also considered to be a potential candidate
                  for statewide office in California. Confirmation for this post
                  could take him out of contention for statewide office. Sen. Dianne Feinstein
                  (D-CA) will preside at his confirmation hearing at 10:00 AM on
                  November 7. | 
               
             
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                | Monday, Nov 5 | 
               
              
                The House will meet at 2:00 PM in pro forma session only.
                  The Senate will meet at 3:00 PM; it will likely meet in
                  executive session to consider the nomination of Larry Hicks to
                  be a U.S. District Court Judge.
                   
                  ? 9:00 AM. Status conference in USA v. Microsoft before Judge
                  Colleen Kotelly. See, Scheduling
                  Order [PDF] of September 28. Location: Courtroom 11.
                   
                  9:30 AM. The U.S.
                  Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will
                  hear oral argument in Teledesic v. FCC, No. 00-1466.
                  Judges Edwards, Williams and Randolph will preside. Location:
                  333 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington DC.
                   
                  10:00 AM. The FCC's
                  Technological Advisory Council will hold a meeting. See, notice
                  in Federal Register, October 5, 2001, Vol. 66, No. 194, at
                  pages 51046 - 51047. Location: FCC, 445 12th St., SW., Room
                  TW-C305, Washington DC.
                   
                  9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Day one of a three day conference and
                  exhibition hosted by the NIST
                  and NISO titled "4th
                  annual Electronic Book Conference". See, Nov.
                  5 agenda. The price to attend is $400. See, registration
                  page. Location: Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania
                  Ave., NW, Washington DC. | 
              
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                | Tuesday, Nov 6 | 
               
              
                The House will meet at 12:30 PM for morning hour and at 2:00
                  PM for legislative business. No recorded votes are expected
                  before 6:00 PM. The House will consider a number of measures
                  under suspension of the rules. The Senate will likely resume
                  its consideration of HR 3061, the Labor HHS appropriations
                  bill.
                   
                  9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Day two of a three day conference and
                  exhibition hosted by the NIST
                  and NISO titled "4th
                  annual Electronic Book Conference". The price to attend
                  is $400. See, registration
                  page. Location: Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania
                  Ave., NW, Washington DC. See, Nov.
                  6 agenda.
                   
                  12:30 PM. The Federal
                  Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) State and Local
                  Practice Committee will host a brown bag luncheon on "OTARD"
                  and status of BOMA v. FCC. The speakers will be Matthew Ames (Miller & Van Eaton),
                  James Barker (Latham &
                  Watkins), and Jeffrey Steinberg (FCC's Wireless Telecom. Bureau).
                  RSVP to Mitsi
                  Herrera. Location: Wiley
                  Rein & Fielding, 1750 K Street, NW, Washington DC. | 
               
             
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                | Wednesday, Nov 7 | 
               
              
                9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Day three of a three day conference and
                  exhibition hosted by the NIST
                  and NISO titled "4th
                  annual Electronic Book Conference". The price to attend
                  is $400. See, registration
                  page. Location: Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania
                  Ave., NW, Washington DC. See, Nov.
                  6 agenda.
                   
                  10:00 AM. The House
                  Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and
                  Consumer Protection will hold a hearing titled Challenges
                  Facing the Federal Trade Commission. FTC Chairman Timothy
                  Muris will be the only witness. Location: Room 2123,
                  Rayburn Building.
                   
                  10:00 AM. The Senate
                  Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing on pending
                  nominations. Panel I will be five nominees to be U.S. District
                  Court Judges: Joe Heaton (WD Oklahoma), Clay Land (MD
                  Georgia), Frederick Martone (Arizona), Danny Reeves (ED
                  Kentucky), and Julie Robinson (Kansas). Panel II will be James Rogan, the
                  nominee to be Director of the U.S.
                  Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Sen. Dianne Feinstein
                  (D-CA) will preside. Location: Room 226, Dirksen Building.
                   
                  10:00 AM. The U.S.
                  International Trade Commission (USITC) will begin a Section 337 evidentiary
                  hearing regarding the importation of integrated circuits. The
                  complainants are United Microelectronics, UMC Group (USA), and
                  United Foundry Service. The respondents are Silicon Integrated
                  Systems and Silicon Integrated Systems. This investigation
                  pertains to U.S. Patents No. 5,559,352 and 6,117,345. See, Investigation
                  No. 337-TA-450. ALJ Sidney Harris will preside. Location:
                  Courtroom A, ITC Building, 500 E Street SW, Washington DC.
                   
                  12:15 PM. The Federal
                  Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) Online
                  Communications Committee will host a brown bag lunch titled
                  "Broadband, When? -- the View from Earthlink". The
                  speaker will be Dave Baker, VP of Law & Public Policy at
                  Earthlink. RSVP to Scott
                  Harris at sharris@
                  harriswiltshire.com. Location: Lampert & O'Connor, 5th
                  Floor, 1750 K St., NW, Washington DC. | 
               
             
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                | Thursday, Nov 8 | 
               
              
                9:30 AM. The Federal
                  Communications Commission (FCC) will hold a meeting to
                  consider five items: (1) a Report and Order concerning
                  reexamination the Commercial Mobile Radio Services (CMRS) spectrum
                  aggregation limits and the cellular cross interest rule
                  (WT Docket No. 01-14); (2) a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)
                  concerning whether to undertake a comprehensive examination of
                  its rules and policies of local radio ownership (MM Docket No.
                  00-244); (3) a Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration
                  concerning its periodic review of the progress of the
                  conversion to digital television (MM Docket No. 00-39); (4) a
                  NPRM concerning the establishment of national performance
                  measurements and standards for unbundled network elements and
                  interconnection (CC Docket Nos. 98-56, 98-147, 98-147, 96-98,
                  and 98-141); and a Report and Order concerning its policies,
                  rules and requirements for Cable Landing Licenses (IB Docket
                  No. 00-106). See, FCC
                  notice. Location: Commission Meeting Room, FCC, 445 12th
                  Street, SW, Washington DC.
                   
                  10:00 AM. The House Financial
                  Services Committee's Oversight and Investigations
                  Subcommittee and the House
                  Ways and Means Committee's Social Security Subcommittee
                  will hold a joint hearing titled Preventing Identity Theft
                  by Terrorists and Criminals. Location: Room 2128, Rayburn
                  Building.
                   
                  12:15 PM. The Federal
                  Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) Global Telecom
                  Development Committee will host a brown bag luncheon titled Telco
                  Privatization: the Role of International Financial
                  Institutions. The speakers will be David Satola (World
                  Bank Group) and Janet Hernandez (Coudert Bros.). RSVP to Kent Bressie.
                  Location: Wilkinson Barker
                  & Knauer, 2300 N Street, Suite 700, Washington DC. | 
               
             
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                | NIPC Issues Advisory re
                  DDoS Attacks | 
               
              
                10/2. The FBI's National
                  Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) issued Advisory
                  01-026 regarding politically motivated cyber attacks, and
                  distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. It stated that
                  "Cyber protests and hacktivist activity have increased
                  since Advisory
                  01-021 was issued and the potential for targeting U.S.
                  organizations is higher than in September. In the aftermath of
                  the 11 September attacks, hacking groups have formed and
                  participated in pro-U.S. and anti-U.S. cyber activities,
                  fought mainly through web defacements. There has been minimal
                  activity in the form of DDoS attacks, mostly between opposing
                  protesting groups."
                   
                  However, the Advisory continues that the "NIPC has reason
                  to believe that the potential for future DDoS attacks is high.
                  The protesters have indicated they are targeting web sites of
                  the U.S. Department of Defense and organizations that support
                  the critical infrastructure of the United States, but many
                  businesses and other organizations -- some completely
                  unrelated to the events -- have been victims. In the current
                  situation, infrastructure support systems must take a
                  defensive posture and remain vigilant at a higher state of
                  alert. System administrators are encouraged to check their
                  systems for zombie agent software and ensure they institute
                  best practices such as ingress and egress filtering." | 
               
             
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