Microsoft Counters Apple Video Suit

Microsoft Corp. has filed a counterclaim against Apple Computer Inc. in their dispute over the use of video technology for running multimedia personal computer programs.

In its filing, Microsoft rejected Apple’s allegations that it stole video “driver” code from Apple’s Quicktime for Windows for use in Microsoft Video for Windows.

Apple also named Intel Corp. and San Francisco Canyon Co. in its suit, which was filed last month.

Microsoft’s counterclaim accused Apple of spreading “disinformation” in an effort to scare independent software developers into using Apple’s video technology.

It said Apple employees posted messages on the Internet and online forums claiming Video for Windows is inferior to Quicktime for Windows.

Microsoft said it has broken no copyright laws and that ownership of the disputed code is unclear.