Final judgement on Microsoft's anti-competitive behaviour

A decision on Microsoft’s appeal against the European Commission’s 2004 anti-trust judgement is expected by 17 September.

Reuters reports that the judge presiding over the case is set to retire on 17 September, so the case will see a conclusion by this date.

While the court’s findings of fact cannot be appealed, a losing party could appeal questions of law to another court.

If Microsoft loses, observers predict that Microsoft will take advantage of this legal path.

The company has already been fined twice by the European Commission for its anti-competitive behaviour - as part of the original judgement, and a second time for not complying.

Redmond is now facing a third fine for still not complying over the availability of its server protocols to competitors.

Microsoft issues responses to EC licensing objections >>

EC threatens Microsoft with daily penalties in antitrust >>

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