William H. Neukom, Microsoft Lawyer Who Led Antitrust Fight, Dies at 83

William H. Neukom, a prominent lawyer who led Microsoft's defense in a high-profile antitrust case against the U.S. government, has passed away at the age of 83. During the 1990s, the U.S. government accused Microsoft of being a monopolistic force, stifling competition in the technology industry. Neukom, as Microsoft's general counsel, spearheaded the company's legal strategy to fight these allegations. Although Microsoft lost the landmark decision, the company ultimately emerged largely unscathed. Neukom's leadership and legal expertise played a crucial role in navigating Microsoft through this challenging period, allowing the tech giant to maintain its dominant position in the market. After leaving Microsoft, Neukom went on to serve as the managing general partner of the San Francisco Giants baseball team and founded the World Justice Project, a global initiative aimed at promoting the rule of law. Neukom's passing marks the end of an era for Microsoft and the legal battles that defined the company's early dominance in the technology industry.