Microsoft to call for suspension of anti-trust penalties

By Simon Aughton

Posted on 25 Jun 2004 at 11:08

Microsoft will ask the EU's second highest court to suspend the imposition of anti-trust penalties which include a €500mn fine and a requirement to unbundle Media Player from the Windows operating system.

The company will file the request to the Court of First Instance 'in the coming days' said spokesman Tom Brookes.

'We believe we have a strong case for suspension,' he said. Microsoft must persuade the court that any penalties would do irreparable, irreversible damage.

Microsoft's opponents, including the Computer and Communication Industry Association, will attempt to persuade the court to reject the request, arguing that any delay will damage competition.

Microsoft has appealed the EU's ruling, a process which could take up to five years.