Google anti-trust claim dropped by US court

Microsoft wins battle in the war between technology giants

Google has lost its anti-trust case against Microsoft

A federal court judge has declined a petition by Google that asked the US government to extend its anti-trust oversight of Microsoft.

Google complained that Windows Vista did not provide enough simple access to non-Microsoft desktop searches - such as Google's desktop search function.

'As a result of our raising concerns about Vista desktop search, the Department of Justice and the states secured remedies from Microsoft that will provide consumers more choices than existed before,' said Alan B. Davidson, head of Google's Washington office.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said she was satisfied that Microsoft had settled a dispute by agreeing to alter Windows Vista so users could more easily access alternative search programs offered by rivals such as Google.

The hearing was the latest in a battle between the technology giants who are now using anti-trust laws to attack each other.

Microsoft has argued that Google's proposed acquisition of DoubleClick poses an anti-trust risk in the online advertising market.