States Seek to Block Delay in Microsoft Case

Nine states seeking stricter antitrust penalties against Microsoft Corp. asked a federal judge to reject the software maker’s proposal to delay hearings in the case until July or August.

The states’ attorneys general said in court papers that a new remedies phase of the 3those-year-old case should be held in March as U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly has ordered.

“That Microsoft stands to benefit from delay is obvious,” the attorneys general said.

The states are seeking restrictions on Microsoft’s business practices that go beyond a proposed settlement signed by the Bush administration and nine other states.

“Microsoft can hardly be accused of delay,” said company spokesman Jim Desler. “Any delay is really the fault of these non-settling states” that have “launched an entirely new case.”

Microsoft shares fell $1.62 to close at $66.25 on Nasdaq.