Former Livedoor Co. President Takafumi Horie will plead not guilty to securities law violations, his lawyers told the Tokyo District Court during pretrial proceedings Wednesday.

"Horie had approval for all business operations from certified public accountants and other specialists, and was convinced he was operating within the bounds of the law," lawyer Yasuyuki Takai said.

While the founder of the Internet firm does not dispute the external facts concerning his company's stock transactions and flow of funds, Takai said, he was not aware the information under dispute was fraudulent.