Utah company to wrap up $1B case against Microsoft

SALT LAKE CITY — Closing arguments are expected in a Utah company's $1 billion antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp.

Provo-based Novell Inc. claims Microsoft was protecting its monopoly when it duped the company into working on a Windows 95-compatible version of its WordPerfect writing application, only to later leave them out.

Microsoft's Bill Gates has testified in the federal trial in Salt Lake City that Novell showed little interest in pushing WordPerfect and never complained about being left behind.

Novell says it eventually had to sell the program for a $1.2 billion loss.

The company has asked a judge to allow its lawyers to recall a witness for questioning before closing arguments, which were set for Tuesday but could be delayed if testimony continues.