Oracle asks judge to nix PeopleSoft suit

Oracle has asked a California state judge to throw out an unfair business practices lawsuit , as the plaintiff seeks to derail a hostile takeover bid by its rival. In a demurrer motion filed on Tuesday with the Alameda County Superior Court earlier this week, Oracle argued that PeopleSoft has not made its case based on the trial proceedings so far, and thus no formal defense is required.

PeopleSoft alleges Oracle has engaged in unfair business practices as it seeks to acquire its competitor through a hostile takeover. A judge has set a Feb. 25 hearing to consider the demurrer motion.