The European Commission last week confirmed that its own
investigation into possible breaches of competition law by
Microsoft will continue and stressed that it is factually and
legally separate from the US case, according to a report by news
agency Reuters.
Last Thursday, the Court of Appeals in Washington DC overturned
an order of June 2000 which would have divided Microsoft into two
companies following the lower court's finding that Microsoft had
abused its monopoly position.
However, the Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the finding
that Microsoft was a monopoly that acted illegally in trying to
maintain its dominance in PC operating systems. Although the
penalty is likely to change, opinion is split as to whether or not
Microsoft is now in a better position. Chairman Bill Gates has said
he wants to settle the case.
In August 2000, the European Commission announced its intention
to investigate Microsoft's possible abuse of its dominant position.
A spokeswoman told Reuters that the Commission is presently
studying the US ruling.
