Compuware Suit Accuses IBM Of Mainframe Code Theft

Compuware Corp. on Tuesday filed a federal lawsuit accusing International Business Machines Corp. of misappropriating Compuware software code in its mainframes.

Compuware, one of the largest independent makers of IBM mainframe software, said it filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan charging IBM with using its monopoly power in the mainframe hardware business to compete unfairly in the software tools market.

Echoing charges leveled in the 1970s, when IBM was subject to U.S. Department of Justice antitrust prosecution over its computer monopoly, Compuware's suit alleged unlawful product tying by IBM in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

It said that, as IBM has moved to enter the mainframe testing software market, where Compuware is a leading player, the world's biggest computer maker had cut Compuware off from crucial information about new mainframe product releases.

'We have been considering this distressing issue for quite some time and regrettably concluded that Compuware was required to take this action in order to protect the interests of the company, its customers, and its shareholders,' Compuware President Joseph Nathan said in a statement. He said IBM had stolen Compuware source code and copied its user manual.

REUTERS