Microsoft is fast running out of legal options in its antitrust battle against the feds, and another battle looms against the European Union. But don't expect the company to give any quarter to governments on either side of the Atlantic. Earlier this month, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered a mediator to jump-start the stalled settlement talks that are supposed to bring a resolution by Nov. 2. Forget it. Microsoft has no incentive to settle, and the Department of Justice has stated consistently that it wants an aggressive, forward-looking remedy. That spells a lot of doodle drawing, yawning and late-night television for the settlement negotiators who have been ordered to work "around the clock." According to reports, both sides have put low-level functionaries in the meetings to raise the body count and give the appearance of honoring Kollar-Kotelly's request.
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