The U.S. Justice Department wants to extend its oversight of Microsoft for two more years, until 2009. Microsoft has already agreed to it; I bet they weren't excited about it, though. AP reported today the Justice Department wants the extension because of lapses under the 2002 landmark antitrust settlement.
A U.S. judge must approve this extension of two years, which the Justice Department and 17 states support because of lapses under the current settlement. AP also reports that government lawyers are prepared to extend oversight of Microsoft's business through 2012 if necessary.
Costs of settling the antitrust suit brought by the Justice Department and 17 states, plus all the related actions filed by individual companies hurt by Microsoft's business practices, have already cost the company billions. Wonder where Microsoft's Internet business would be today if it had spent the billions on developing MSN and its Internet ad business instead rather than fighting these suits?
Microsoft is still waiting for a ruling on its appeal of the EU's antitrust suit. The EU also raised questions about Windows Vista and may file a suit to stall its release.
Microsoft remains defiant when handling its legal woes. Its defiance was clearly on display during its recent court appearance in Luxembourg appealing the EU antitrust suit.
Microsoft's stock returns have been dismal since the original 2002 antitrust settlement. Does Bill Gates think he will have any chance of improving stock prospects until he gets this monkey off his back? After losing in so many courtrooms, isn't it time for Bill Gates to be realistic about settling these issues once and for all, so he, and his employees, can move forward and get serious about the problems facing the company's future success - the Internet search ad wars with Google and Yahoo and the operating system war with Apple?
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