WSJ wins libel case filed by French company, or does it?

The Wall Street Journal issued the following statement regarding a French court ruling against Alstom SA in a libel action against a Journal reporter and Alstom’s subsequent statement on the matter:

“On Tuesday a French court threw out a libel claim against a Wall Street Journal reporter. Contrary to Alstom’s recent statement, the court’s decision vindicated the Journal and its reporter, David Crawford.

“The court noted that Mr. Crawford is an experienced and distinguished reporter who conducted a thorough and ‘serious investigation’ about a matter of significant interest. We are very pleased that the court dismissed Alstom’s claim and that the company has wisely decided not to pursue an appeal.”

The Alstom statement referred to by the Journal notes, “In its ruling on 1 March, 2011, the Nanterre Criminal Court, in France, confirmed the ‘libellous nature’ of this allegation and emphasised that ‘none of the many pieces of information (presented by the author for his defence) proves the existence of a system of corruption’ within Alstom. However, considering that he acted ‘in good faith’, the Court discharged the author.

“Alstom has always maintained that the Wall Street Journal articles were based merely on unfounded speculation and has constantly reaffirmed its commitment to the strict respect of the stringent ethics rules the company has implemented. Alstom will not appeal as it considers that the Court has established that the company was right on the substance of the case.”

Its statement is here.

If a judge dismisses the suit against you, haven’t you won?