Microsoft appeal may get U.S. help
SeattlePI | at | by Mike
The Justice Department, a longtime adversary of Microsoft Corp. until the two decided to settle their antitrust dispute, may now be preparing to line up on the software giant's side as it battles the states of Massachusetts and West Virginia. The department has put a federal appellate court on notice that it may enter the appeal filed by those two states seeking stiffer antitrust controls on the way Microsoft does business. If it does enter, it almost certainly would be to argue against added restrictions on the firm.
Justice Department officials declined to comment yesterday on arguments they would make to the appeals court if they decide to take part. Spokesmen for the Massachusetts and West Virginia attorneys general had no comment.