The European Commission has once again accused Microsoft of acting anti-competitively by bundling its Internet Explorer browser into its operating systems.
The commission released its statement of objection (SO) last week, which outlines its allegations against the software giant. “The Windows operating system harms competition between Web browsers, undermines product innovation and ultimately reduces consumer choice,” the commission explains in a statement.
This is not the first legal battle between Microsoft and the European Union; they have been at odds for years. In 2004, the commission threatened to fine the company 497 million euros if it continued to bundle Windows Media Player with its operating systems.
The fine was eventually implemented last year; however, it escalated to 899 million euros, the largest fine ever implemented by the commission.
Microsoft has been given two months to reply to the commission's new charges.
The company released a media statement after the SO was published, saying: “We are studying the statement of objections now. Under European competition law procedure, Microsoft will be afforded an opportunity to respond in writing to this SO within about two months.”
According to law, the company will also be allowed to request a hearing on the matter, which should take place after it has handed its response to the commission. “We are committed to conducting our business in full compliance with European law,” the Microsoft statement reads.
Some reports speculate as to whether competing browser businesses, such as Google, or Opera, had a hand in the commission's allegations.
By bundling Internet Explorer in its operating systems, Microsoft has captured the majority of the browser market.
Related stories:
MS mulls job cuts
Google Apps takes on MS
Share
