You have to wonder whether Microsoft's attorneys are bracing for another legal fight when the biggest potential market in the world is about to pass its first Anti-Monopoly Law.

Discussion about the draft law has been going on for more than a year, and preparations for it even longer than that. But so far, nothing official has been circulated publicly.

It's interesting that related talks between Chinese and U.S. officials are happening next month in the company's back yard. The Washington State China Relations Council is hosting a legal exchange Dec. 1, and the subject is China's draft Anti-Monopoly Law. The annual event is normally held in Beijing or Washington, D.C., but this year both governments agreed to make Seattle their first stop.

Two senior officials from China are coming: Vice Minister Zhang Qiong of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, and Vice Minister Ma Xiuhong.

Participants from the U.S. include John Sullivan, general counsel with the U.S. Department of Commerce; officials from the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission; and local legal experts from Seattle law firms.

The China Relations Council is billing the event as an opportunity to hear directly from Chinese policymakers about important changes to laws that will have a major impact on companies doing business in China or looking to enter the market. More information is here.