Microsoft stung by antitrust judge's monopoly criticism

Microsoft was dealt a further blow last week when it the judge in charge of the software giant's case compared it with the oil monopoly run by John Rockefeller.

Following the restart of the trial, both sides were able to put across their last-ditch arguments to Judge Thomas Jackson.

Jackson said he did not understand Microsoft's copyright ownership, adding that "Rockefeller had fee-simple control over his oil."

Standard Oil, owned by Rockefeller, was broken up in 1912 by US courts because of anti-competitive behaviour - after an antitrust case which echoes the proceedings currently underway against Microsoft.

During last week's hearing Judge Jackson continually interrupted Microsoft counsel John Warden and accused him of evading questions.

The judge ruled in November that Microsoft has abused its monopoly position.

Microsoft's attorneys insisted in a statement issued after the trial that Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, the company's president and chief executive, were personally involved in settlement discussions.

It is unclear when the court will make its final ruling, although observers said that Judge Jackson will preside on the case in spring unless a settlement is reached.

If Microsoft is found in violation of the antitrust laws, it is expected that a number of changes will be imposed on the software giant - the most serious of which would be a break up of the company. Microsoft has reiterated that if the changes are unacceptable it will appeal the ruling.