Microsoft Clarifies Trademark Policies
 
REDMOND, Washington--January 4, 1995--
 
In response to customer inquiries, Microsoft today clarified the naming policy for Bob,
its new software product designed for computer beginners.  Contrary to rumors, Microsoft
will not demand that all persons formerly named "Bob" immediately select new first names.
"I don't know where these rumors come from," commented Steve Balmer, Microsoft Executive
Vice President for Worldwide Sales and Support.  "It's ridiculous to think Microsoft would
force people outside the computer industry to change their names.  We won't, and our
licensing policies for people within the industry will be so reasonable that the Justice
Department could never question them."
Balmer said employees of other computer companies will be given the opportunity to select
new names, and will also be offered a licensing option allowing them to continue using
their former names at very low cost.
The new licensing program, called Microsoft TrueName, offers persons who want to continue
being known by the name Bob the option of doing so, with the payment of a small monthly
licensing fee and upon signing a release form promising never to use OpenDoc.  As an added
bonus, Bob name licensees will also be authorized to display the Windows 95 logo on their
bodies.
Persons choosing not to license the Bob name will be given a 60-day grace period during
which they can select another related name.  "We're being very lenient in our enforcenent
of the Bob trademark," said Bill Newsom, Microsoft's Senior Vice President of Law and
Corporate Affairs.  "People are still free to call themselves Robert, Robby, or even Rob.
Bobby however is derivative of Microsoft's trademark and obviously can't be allowed."
Microsoft also announced today that Bob Harbold, its Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, has become the first Microsoft TrueName licensee and will have the
Windows 95 logo tattooed to his forehead."