Judge tells HP to give computer code to state

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) — A judge has ordered Hewlett-Packard to turn over critical computer code for Michigan’s online vehicle registration system.

Kent County Judge Christopher Yates says the state would suffer “overwhelming” harm without an injunction. The Detroit Free Press says the judge on Monday gave HP until the end of the week to share the code.

It’s the latest turn since Michigan sued HP in September, a few weeks after terminating a multimillion-dollar contract. HP employees stopped going to work, although the state said they still were required to provide support. They’ve been back on the job since October.

Since 2005, HP had been working to replace the computer system used at 131 offices where cars are registered. The deadline was 2010. An audit has found fault on both sides.