April 3 - Jackson announces that he will hand down his verdict in the case. April 28 - Justice Department and 17 states ask court to split Microsoft in two. May 10 - Microsoft asks judge to reject proposal to divide company, proposes lesser conduct remedies. June 5 - Government files slightly revised breakup plan with the court, incorporating only minor changes proposed by Microsoft. June 6 - Microsoft makes its final filing in the case a day earlier than expected, clearing the way for a final ruling.
Gates immediately vows to appeal.
26 - Supreme Court refuses to hear Microsoft's appeal of Judge Jackson's decision, sending the case instead to a federal appeals court in the District of Columbia. Jan. 2001 - Government and Microsoft filed briefs to the federal appeals court. Microsoft says Jackson's many comments to journalists show his bias against the company. Feb. 6 - Appeals court schedules time during oral arguments for discussion about Jackson's behavior outside the courtroom. Judges lambaste Jackson for extrajudicial comments.