Sony is hitting back at Microsoft’s court filings and demands for documents, calling them “obvious harassment” and requesting that the judge disregard them (thanks, Axios). Since the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed its lawsuit against Microsoft, expressing concerns over the Xbox-Activision merger, Microsoft has filed subpoenas demanding that Sony Interactive Entertainment provide extensive documentation.
These requests include files held by Sony executives, including Jim Ryan and Hermann Hulst, pertaining to the company’s business dealings and performance. Microsoft also reportedly demanded that Sony hand over similar files from previous executives who led the company before Ryan. Sony responded that not only are such requests unnecessary, but that they would cost the company over $2 million to procure and deliver.
The filing didn’t say what the documents are and why they would cost Sony so much.
In addition to user demographics and other personal data, Microsoft also tried forcing Sony to provide performance and leadership assessments, which Sony called “obvious harassment.” The latest filing calls on the court to “quash or limit” Microsoft’s subpoenas.
The filing comes just days after a U.K. regulatory commission recommended the Microsoft-Activision deal either be blocked or that Microsoft sell off portions of the business to avoid potential harm to competition. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick told the commission it was making a mistake and would turn the country into a tech wasteland. The FTC, the U.K. commission, and the European Union’s regulatory body are expected to issue their final rulings in April 2023.
Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF
