Two companies aiming at world domination. Two companies facing lawsuits. Two companies having different turns in fortune.

Google‘s acquisition of YouTube (for US$1.65 billion in stocks) seems to be causing more headaches than revenues. Giant media companies like Viacom has sued Google over copyright infringements at YouTube. And to compound things, several other entities followed suit.

Knowing that Google is a cash cow (with US$4 billion in cash for that 750mHz auction alone), suits like these are expected. Them Americans can be sharks, you know.

In a complete reversal of fortune, Microsoft is faring better. Last February, a federal jury found Microsoft had violated patents owned by Alcatel-Lucent that are related to the MP3 format. The same jury also ordered Microsoft to pay Alcatel-Lucent a whopping US$1.5 billion. While it is just small change for a company awash with cash and lording over a vast computer empire, a US federal judge has overturned the jury decision.

Bill Gates and company must be heaving sighs of relief now.

Two companies. Two rivals. Two different fortunes.