Microsoft Corp, the world's largest software maker, won dismissal of five consumer lawsuits claiming the company violated antitrust laws of Maryland, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Connecticut.
US District Judge J. Frederick Motz in Baltimore, who is overseeing suits that claim Microsoft overcharged consumers for the Windows operating system, ruled the antitrust laws in those states did not allow consumers who didn't purchase software directly from Microsoft to press such claims. Most consumers purchased Windows from computer makers or retailers.
Separately, the US Justice Department asked a federal judge in Washington who approved its antitrust settlement with Microsoft to appoint computer scientist Edward Stritter to a committee that will oversee the company's compliance. The settlement requires Microsoft to give computer makers freedom to promote rival products on personal computers.
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