The Federal Trade Commission ended its three-year antitrust investigation of Microsoft Corp. on Friday, a month after it deadlocked for a second time on whether to file a complaint against the company.
While announcing the closing of the investigation, the commission told Microsoft Vice President William H. Neukom in a letter that "this action is not to be construed as a determination that a violation may not have occurred."The vote was 4-0, with one recusal, said FTC Secretary Donald S. Clark.
Microsoft still faces an investigation by the Justice Department's antitrust division.
"We are investigating the matter," Justice Department spokeswoman Gina Talamona said late Friday. "We expect to fully utilize materials submitted to the FTC to avoid duplication. Based on the work already done, we hope to conclude the matter as promptly as possible."
Until Friday, the FTC had never publicly acknowledged that it was investigating Microsoft. However, the company has discussed the probe and has denied any wrongdoing.
The FTC disclosed Friday that Microsoft barely escaped two federal complaints this year. Both attempts failed by 2-2 votes with one recusal.
In both decisions, FTC Chairwoman Janet D. Steiger and Commissioner Dennis A. Yao voted to file the complaint and Commissioners Deborah K. Owen and Mary L. Azcuenaga voted against the motion. Commissioner Roscoe B. Starek recused himself.