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"If you join em, we'll sue em" seems to be the attitude Microsoft is adopting towards chief rival Google (sorry Mac users) at least when they are dealing with MS employees jumping ship to join the Google family.

Earlier today, it was reported that Google would be opening a new research and development facility in China while taking Dr Kai-Fu Lee with them. Before joining Google (and I mean directly before), Dr Lee was running Microsoft's Chinese R&D facility. Essentially, Dr. Lee jumped ship from Microsoft to Google, something his previous employer is quite upset about.

According to BetaNews.com, Microsoft is so displeased with Dr. Lee's decision that they are going to pursue legal avenues in order to prevent Google from hiring him. After Google's announcement of their research facility and Dr. Lee's hiring, Microsoft countered with a statement indicating Dr. Lee was breaking established confidentialities and non-compete agreements, which were signed when Lee took his position at Microsoft.

BetaNews features a quote from Microsoft's statement, which says:He has accepted a position focused on the same set of technologies and strategies for a direct competitor in egregious violation of his explicit contractual obligationsGoogle has not responded to Microsoft's claim as of this time.

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.