[luau] Microsoft judge opens door to broader remedy

[Warren Togami]

http://q1.schwab.com/content/rb/2002/03/26/616327.html

 WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - The federal judge overseeing 
the Microsoft Corp.  antitrust case said on Tuesday she 
wants to know more about new computer technologies such as 
handheld devices to determine whether sanctions against Microsoft 
should cover these items.

 U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly's request boosted the 
spirits of nine states seeking stronger antitrust sanctions 
against Microsoft, who have argued for remedies that protect 
markets that have arisen since the trial began.

 The judge, who has expressed reservations about broadening the 
case, said she needed to learn more "to determine whether it 
falls beyond the outer reaches of a remedy."

 "I've decided that I need more factual information, frankly," 
Kollar-Kotelly said during hearings on the remedies demanded by 
the states that have rejected a proposed settlement agreed to by 
the Justice Department in November.

 Tom Greene, an attorney for the state of California, described 
himself as a "happy camper" to reporters outside court, saying 
the remarks signal Kollar-Kotelly may be willing to impose 
broader sanctions.

(continued in article)