The matter involving Supernetwork stations 2DU and ZOO FM was due for mention in the Federal Court yesterday but it has been held over until later this month.

In March, global software giants Microsoft and Adobe launched a civil lawsuit against the radio stations, their owner Bill Caralis and his wife Pamela, seeking damages over an alleged breach of intellectual property (copyright).

Documents lodged by the software companies allege at least seven unauthorised copies of the program Adobe Audition were being used at the Dubbo radio stations, and more than 40 unauthorised copies of Microsoft Windows and Office programs.

The documents also alleged that Mr Caralis authorized those infringements.

Earlier this year The Sydney Morning Herald published an email sent by Supernetwork's chief engineer Alan Bone in 1995 that instructed staff members how to use unlicensed software.

It was expected to be used as evidence in the civil lawsuit.

Radio stations 2LF and Roccy FM in Young were also named as respondents in the civil lawsuit.

The Federal Court has now extended the time for applicants and respondents to submit evidence and for lawyers acting on behalf of Caralis and Supernetwork to prepare an answer to an "application for preliminary discovery" by Microsoft and Adobe's lawyers asking the court to demand that other stations within Supernetwork produce documents about the licensing status of software that they were using.

There are more than 30 stations in the Supernetwork company spread across NSW and QLD, with the network's hub located at 2SM in Sydney.

It will return for mention in the Federal Court on May 28 and June 19.