At another, more fundamental level, a decision to charge Google with a violation of the antitrust laws would have far-reaching effects beyond the case at hand.

FORBES: Google And The FTC's Investigation: A Cautionary Tale

Shareholder activists argue that this strengthens the case for far-reaching governance reforms.

ECONOMIST: Shareholder rights have been bruised by big investors

InterTrust was already in the process of suing Microsoft for patent infringement, in a closely watched case that could have far-reaching implications.

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Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could have far-reaching effects on the pay and working hours of home health aides.

NPR: Home Health Aides Seek Labor Protections

Lord Abernethy said Mr Smith's case was "of far-reaching importance".

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Court rules on prison voting ban

And finally, there is the growing realization over the last year that this case was about something much larger than Microsoft--and that its consequences have been equally far-reaching.

FORBES: Microsoft Is Us