The case between Google and Microsoft over executive Kal-Fu Lee began this week in court. According to reports, the case already has both sides trowing mud at each other.

Some of you may recall that Kal-Fu Lee, a former executive of Microsoft, recently left the company and joined Google in a role that would help Google interact with the Chinese language and technology. Microsoft sued both Lee and Google because of a non-compete clause in Lee's contract. Lee and Google feel that Lee's hiring is legal and appropariate.

Reports from people observing the case show that Lee was embarassed by Microsoft's business processes, such as inappropariate language inside of high-level meetings, accusations that Microsoft failed to fulfill outsourcing work to the Chinese people, and violent tirades from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer that included physical demonstrations of anger.

Lee has countered that he has worked for various companies, including Apple Computer, on projects concerning the Chinese market, such as developing business relationships in China, and developing business opportunities there.

Clearly, there are a lot of things yet to be resolved in this case. Stay tuned.