E.U. Hits Microsoft With Record Punishment

After failing to comply with an anti-trust decision, Microsoft reaps a massive fine

By Gregory Mone Posted 02.28.2008 at 1:58 pm 2 Comments

Microsoft Headquarters Microsoft

The European Union slapped Microsoft with a $1.3 billion punishment yesterday for what it says amounted to unfair practices. Regulators contended that Microsoft charged developers who were hoping to make Windows-compatible products unreasonable fees for information about its software.

Microsoft reportedly says it has already resolved the issue, and is making its products more open. An EU official deemed the cash punishment “a reasonable response [to] . . . a series of quite unreasonable actions.” European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes says this is the first time in 50 years that the group has been forced to fine a company because of its failure to comply with an antitrust decision.

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2 Comments

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DarkFx

from Winnipeg, Manitoba

03/05/08 at 4:33 am

-No wonder Colombia runs on Linux.

Microsoft, We are Far Beyond Micro.

The best guess is a Theory.

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alcazar

03/31/08 at 3:21 pm

Microsoft has no ethics what so ever and do not pay any attention to the law. They steal technology, reverse engineer it, replicate it, profit off it, and then have thier lawyers handle the lawsuits. Hmm, isn't this what China is doing now?
There are currently 59 patent infringment cases against Microsoft.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/340059_msftsuit17.html