MICROSOFT CLARIFIES TRADEMARK POLICIES FOR BOB

REDMOND, Washington--January 4, 1995--In response to customer inquiries,
Microsoft today clarified the naming policy for Bob (tm), it's 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 (tm), 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 enforcement
of the Bob trademark," said Bill Newkom, Microsoft's Senior Vice President or 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 (tm) Harbold, it's 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.

[source unknown]