Judge OK’s Request To Extend Antitrust Oversight Of Microsoft

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AP Business Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal oversight of Microsoft Corp.’s market power, which began in 2002 after a landmark antitrust settlement, has been extended by 18 months.

The court’s ruling “should not be viewed as a sanction against Microsoft,” U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said late Tuesday.

She said her decision was based on delays by Microsoft in filing technical documents related to the licensing of its software.

Ten states, led by New York and California, urged the court last year to extend its oversight until 2012. The Bush administration did not join the states’ request.

The Justice Department said Microsoft had complied with the settlement and it should be allowed to expire.

Microsoft’s shares fell 8 cents to $32.52 in after-hours trading, after dropping 12 cents to close at $32.60.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)