The Redmond, Wash. software giant lobbied Congress on issues including online privacy, an overhaul of the patent system, trade, Internet taxes and education in the science and technology fields, according to a disclosure form posted online Aug. 14 by the Senate's public records office.

Microsoft is part of a group of technology companies lobbying the federal government to increase the number of visas allowing skilled foreigners to work in the U.S. for up to six years.

Besides lawmakers, the company lobbied the White House, the Federal Trade Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Communications, Commission the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, the U.S. Copyright Office, plus the departments of Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice, Labor, State and Treasury.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.