Microsoft violated antitrust law, rules Jackson

Judge Jackson, in a 43-page conclusion of law, said on Monday that Microsoft "maintained its monopoly power by anti-competitive means and attempted to monopolise the Web browser market". He, therefore, found that the company had violated two sections of the Sherman Antitrust Act, as had been alleged by the US Justice Department and a coalition of 19 states.

But Jackson also held that "the facts found do not support the conclusion" that Microsoft’s marketing arrangements with other companies were violations of the law. In his ruling, Jackson said Microsoft failed to rebut the argument that Windows had monopolised the market for PC operating systems.

He said the government had provided ample evidence that was not refuted of "Microsoft’s dominant, persistent market share protected by a substantial barrier to entry".

Reacting to the verdict, Gates said, "As we look ahead to the appeals process, innovation will continue to be the number one priority at Microsoft."