Microsoft ruling

Microsoft violated US anti-trust law by tying its Internet browser to its Windows operating system, the judge said in his ruling in the case against the software giant.

Judge Jackson concluded that Microsoft had maintained its monopoly power by anticompetitive means and had also attempted to monopolise the internet browser market.

However, it was not proven that Microsoft had broken any anti-trust laws with its marketing arrangements with other companies.

Talks aimed at settling the case broke down shortly before the judge's ruling. It is reported that the company lost 15 per cent of its value on the stock market. Microsoft has indicated that it will appeal against the decision.