Click to play videoNew Delhi: The verdict is out. A special court in Luxemborg has ruled Microsoft guilty of illegal trade practices and ordered it to pay 613 million euros in fines.
Over 95 percent of the world's computers run on Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Most of them come bundled with digital media players and server communication software—that most people use without even looking for alternatives.
The trouble began when Microsoft refused to reveal the standards it used to make desktop PCs, play media and talk to faraway servers—citing Intellectual Property rights to keep such information classified.
Rivals complained that they could very well provide better and cheaper software, if only given a chance. Alarmed by the monopoly, in 2004, the European Commission accused Microsoft of choking out competition.
Monday afternoon, a special court in Luxemborg upheld that ruling. But Microsoft has lost its appeal in an anti-trust dispute with the European Commission.
Microsoft is now likely to lodge an appeal with Europe's highest tribunal, the European Court of Justice.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
