Microsoft, EU Expect Ruling Soon on Antitrust Case

The European Union and Microsoft Corp. are expecting a ruling this year on their five-year antitrust battle after the judge in the case said he would continue to use evidence from two of the EU's biggest backers who have defected to the other side. Judge Bo Vesterdorf is expected to decide between Dec. 18-20 whether to suspend the EU order for Microsoft to change business practices and pay a 497 million euro ($646 million) fine, lawyers said.