Judge Bars Microsoft from Using Java Logo

Sun Microsystems Inc. was granted a preliminary court ruling to stop rival Microsoft Corp. from using Sun’s Java logo, a victory for Sun in its battle to set Internet standards using the Java programming language. U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte in San Jose issued a preliminary injunction to stop Microsoft’s use of the compatibility logo, a coffee cup with “100% Java” above it. Palo Alto-based Sun said it sought the order because Microsoft altered the computer language. Sun has marketed Java as a way to write software that runs on any operating system. Since October, it has been embroiled in a legal battle with Microsoft to establish Internet standards for the fledging computer language. Microsoft, the world’s largest independent maker of personal computer software, had said its contract with Sun allows it to use the Java logo on Microsoft products. Microsoft said it will comply with the judge’s order, which it called “disappointing.”