Microsoft wants longer appeals process

Microsoft is seeking to lengthen the appeals process in the landmark antitrust case brought against it by the US government.

The US Court of Appeals said last week it wanted to expedite Microsoft's appeal against a US District Court verdict that the software company violated the country's antitrust laws with its Windows monopoly, and that it should be split into two companies as a punishment.

However, Microsoft yesterday pleaded for a 60-day extension before it files its initial brief, and wants the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to have the same amount of time to respond.

In addition to the lengthy time period, Microsoft also wants to create a paper mountain. Stating that briefs in such appeals are normally limited to 14,000 words, Microsoft has asked the Court of Appeals to be allowed to increase that figure to 56,000.

"The state of this case is monumental," Microsoft's lawyers said in their motion to the Court of Appeals. "The District Court's many errors compel Microsoft to address a wide range of legal and factual issues on appeal."

The DoJ will offer its proposed timetable later this week.