Originally published July 3, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified July 3, 2007 at 3:46 PM
EU will wait for Microsoft appeal before ruling on antitrust fines
European Union regulators will decide whether Microsoft has complied with a 2004 antitrust order after a court rules on the company's appeal...
Bloomberg News
European Union regulators will decide whether Microsoft has complied with a 2004 antitrust order after a court rules on the company's appeal in September, the EU's antitrust chief said.
European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes has threatened to fine Microsoft millions of euros for failing to comply with an order to license information to competitors on "reasonable and non-discriminatory terms." The company is appealing the 2004 decision. Bo Vesterdorf, president of the European Court of First Instance, said he expects a ruling before Sept. 17.
"We are waiting until the court has made a decision and that will be September," Kroes said in an interview in Lisbon on Tuesday.
The European Commission, the EU's antitrust regulator, has accused Microsoft of charging too much for data that helps competitors' products work with the Windows operating system. The measure aims to restrain the Redmond-based company from using its more than 90 percent share of computer software sales to thwart rivals in related markets, such as servers.
The commission levied a record $677 million penalty in March 2004. It fined Microsoft another $382 million in July 2006 for flouting the decision. The regulator is currently considering a third fine in the case.
Kroes said April 20 that its legal fight with Microsoft has taught officials that more drastic remedies such as a breakup may be needed for companies that continue to abuse their market dominance.
Tom Brookes, a Microsoft spokesman, wasn't immediately available to comment.
UPDATE - 09:46 AM
Exxon Mobil wins ruling in Alaska oil spill case
UPDATE - 09:32 AM
Bank stocks push indexes higher; oil prices dip
UPDATE - 08:04 AM
Ford CEO Mulally gets $56.5M in stock award
UPDATE - 07:54 AM
Underwater mortgages rise as home prices fall
NEW - 09:43 AM
Warner Bros. to offer movie rentals on Facebook
More Business & Technology headlines...
![]()

Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Electronics
just listed
Adorable Bull Terrier puppies for good home...
AKC Great Dane Puppies Ready
AKC PAL/ILP Registered Labs
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
- Lakewood cop accused of embezzling $150K meant for slain officers' families
- 3 big health insurers stockpile $2.4 billion as rates keep rising
- Social worker recounts minutes before Powell fire
- Agency set to investigate handling of 911 call about Josh Powell
- Quick decisions: How Washington hired its new football staff
- Historic day for gay marriage as another fight looms
- Justin Wilcox's versatile defensive style is the right fit for Huskies | Jerry Brewer
- Council members get briefing on arena proposal, minus details
- It's Terrence Time: Enigmatic Ross leads Huskies
- $25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses
- Gay-marriage bill passes House, awaits Gregoire's signature
503 - Wanted in Seattle classrooms: more teachers of color
397 - Council members get briefing on arena proposal, minus details
344 - AP Source: Obama to change birth control rule
317 - Oregon live game thread
155 - Worker: Josh Powell told son he had 'surprise'
112 - Rough road again
108 - A few late-night notes
95 - USA Today further spells out how Mariners, handful of clubs next in line for huge cash windfall
76 - Marijuana legalization initiative set to go on Nov. ballot
74
- Wanted in Seattle classrooms: more teachers of color
- State Medicaid program to stop paying for unneeded ER visits
- 3 big health insurers stockpile $2.4 billion as rates keep rising
- Economy, blogs give survivalists new reason to look to Northwest
- State's share of mortgage settlement: $648 million
- Bellevue College adds a third bachelor's degree program
- Darren Berg gets 18-year sentence for Ponzi scheme
- One man's audacious pursuit of sailing history
- $25B settlement reached over foreclosure abuses
- 'Gauguin and Polynesia': dazzling mix-and-match | Art review
