Microsoft given month reprieve in EU browser-bundling case

Microsoft has petitioned for and been granted an extra month to reply to browser-bundling antitrust charges levied against it in Europe.

In mid-January, the European Commission (EC) issued its "statement of objections" (which some have equated to findings) in the case. The browser bundling complaint came from Opera Software in late 2007. Mozilla has joined the complaint and Google has petitioned to do so.

Microsoft now has until April 21 to reply to the statement of objections.

Just last week, Microsoft officials acknowledged they plan to add a "Remove Internet Explorer 8" option to Windows 7. Microsoft execs did not cite the ongoing antitrust case as an impetus for the move, but most Microsoft watchers believe Microsoft is trying to appease the EC before it issues its final ruling in the Opera matter.

Microsoft is expected to release to the Web the final standalone IE 8 bits in the next few weeks.