Microsoft makes U.S., EU antitrust filing

Microsoft has signed four new companies as licensees of its Windows communications protocols, according to a quarterly status report filed Friday with the court overseeing the company's antitrust case. The software maker said that Cisco Systems, the SCO Group, Tandberg Television and Laplink Software all took licenses during the last quarter, doubling the number of its licensees. During the quarter, Microsoft also simplified its licensing terms and reduced royalty payments by half. The company is required to license the communications protocols as part of its settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and several state attorneys general.

Separately, Microsoft also filed its written response to European Union charges that the company has abused its monopoly and should have new restrictions imposed on its conduct. The details of Microsoft's response were not made public.