Microsoft Receives Massive $1.35 Billion Fine From the EU

The EU has fined Microsoft $1.35 billion (899 million euros) for failing to comply with the 2004 antitrust order. It is highest ever fine charged by EU and it is also the first time ever when EU has fined a company because of non-compliance with an antitrust decision.

The first decision in this antitrust case was given in 2004 citing that Microsoft withheld needed interoperability information to rival software companies which prevented them from making compatible software for Windows. The commission ordered Microsoft to provide the information which Microsoft agreed to but charged high royalty fees on the grounds of innovation. After further investigation these high royalty fees were found unreasonable and was order to lower them. Microsoft’s non-compliance over this decision for last 3 years caused the fresh fine of $1.35 billion. So far, Microsoft has been fined 1.68 billion euros in this case.

By Wiki News

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