However, you have set forth a few questions - some are very broad. The Justice Department brought suit against Microsoft in the mid-1990's alleging violations of the consent decree. Monopoly in itself is not illegal but use of your monopoly position to obtain other benefits can be illegal. The Justice Department uses information from economists, industry members and consumers to assess whether there are violations of the antitrust law that harm the public in general - here economically. As for lobbyists, they are free to lobby congress -which is exactly what Microsoft is now attempting to do.
Equal protection is no defense to violations of the antitrust laws.
Keep up the good questions. Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved.