PeopleSoft-Oracle trial set for November

A California Superior Court judge has set a Nov. 1 trial date for PeopleSoft's lawsuit against Oracle, in which PeopleSoft alleges the database giant used unfair business practices in launching a hostile bid to acquire the company. PeopleSoft had sought an October trial date, while Oracle had asked the court to hold the trial in midsummer 2005. The case will be conducted in Alameda County Superior Court.

First, though, Oracle will face off in court against the U.S. Department of Justice. The department is seeking to block Oracle's takeover bid for PeopleSoft on the grounds that it would violate antitrust laws. That case will begin June 7 in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. European antitrust regulators, meanwhile, may make a ruling on the issue as early as mid-June, but that process has slowed while authorities wait for Oracle to submit requested documents.