Microsoft has asked a judge to force AOL Time Warner to give up more documents in its long-running anti-trust case.
The request refers to Microsoft's ongoing settlement talks with nine US states. The federal government and nine other states settled their anti-trust claims with Microsoft last year. But nine states refused to sign, insisting that the Justice Department sanctions did not go far enough.
Microsoft argues that AOL is refusing to co-operate with subpoenas and that it has only provided a handful of relevant documents.
Microsoft spokesman Mr Jim Desler said: "AOL can't have it both ways. Their uncooperative attitude on document production stands in stark contrast to their active, behind-the-scenes involvement with the non-settling states".
AOL subsidiary Netscape filed a separate suit earlier this week alleging that Microsoft used unfair business practices to dominate the web browser market. AOL has dismissed Microsoft's complaint as retaliation for the Netscape suit.
US District Court Judge Kollar-Kotelly has scheduled a March hearing to determine whether Microsoft should face any additional penalties for damaging competition and hurting consumers.
PA