The Justice Department, in response to motions from several states involved in the antitrust settlement with Microsoft this week, filed a curt statement this afternoon saying it has no intention of filing for an extension and "does not believe that the standard for such an extension has been met."

At issue is the terms of the landmark antitrust settlement between the states, the federal government and Microsoft. Key provisions of the settlement are set to expire on Nov. 12, and while Microsoft has pledged to adhere to business practices that stay within the law and its responsibilities under the settlement even after it expires, the states are asking for five more years of oversight.

U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly has scheduled a conference call with the parties for Tuesday, presumably to discuss the matter. Another hearing is scheduled Nov. 6 in her Washington, D.C., courtroom. It would be the last status conference before oversight expires.