Microsoft will have to pay a nearly $690 million fine in the European Union as a result of an antitrust ruling. This fine actually dates back to a 2004 ruling, which the Redmond-based corporation had lobbied and lobbied to get overturned. It wasn’t meant to be, leaving it with a rather large check to write. Microsoft plans to “comply,” whatever that means, with the ruling, but may still fight to have it overturned.
The fine stems from the EU’s perception that Microsoft used its operating system dominance to screw over companies like RealNetworks (cue buffering jokes) and Sun.
As the world turns, I suppose. Wake me when Microsoft actually pays the fine.
European Court Rejects Microsoft Antitrust Appeal [New York Times]
Hmmm…WAKE UP!
I haven’t verified but I think the initial decision from the European Commission, confirmed today by the European Court of Justice, implied the immediate payment of the fine (which Microsoft did pay).
Today’s sentence implies the EC doesn’t have to reimburse the perceived money.
As for the cost of the legal fees, Microsoft will have to pay 80% of the Commission’s trial cost.
Again, all to be verified and confirmed.