EU to decide Microsoft antitrust case

The European Commission has finished drafting a decision in its anti-competition case against Microsoft.

It has ruled that Microsoft has abused its dominant position in the European market and broken European competition law, according to a report in the Financial Times.

The Commission has claimed that Microsoft tied its Media Player software into Windows in such a way as to deter innovation by rivals.

Although negotiations with Microsoft are ongoing, the Commission has already begun discussing its decision.

"There is a draft on the table and this should come as no surprise. After all, the investigation has been going on for long enough," a Commission spokeswoman told the BBC.

"The final stage was the hearing in November and now we have to conclude."

The European legal wranglings come in the wake of the long-running anti-trust case in the US between Microsoft and the Department of Justice.

Since being found guilty in this case, Microsoft has been forced to do business under a set of restrictions designed to reduce the software monopoly which it enjoys due to the ubiquity of Windows.

See also:

EU threatens Microsoft with fines

Up to five per cent of global turnover  21 Mar 2005

Microsoft to ship Windows without Media Player

Software giant bows to EU pressure  25 Jan 2005

Microsoft to fight EC ruling

Software giant seeks stay or suspension of Commission's antitrust decision  24 Mar 2004

EU confirms record Microsoft fine

£331m fine and extra penalties for anti-competitive practices  24 Mar 2004

EU states approve record Microsoft fine

Heavy penalty and further anti-competition demands expected tomorrow  23 Mar 2004

Microsoft antitrust talks collapse

European Commission ruling expected next week following last-minute deadlock  18 Mar 2004

European ruling won't hurt Microsoft

Antitrust action could bring 'hollow' victory for European Commission  18 Mar 2004

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