Timeline: case against Microsoft

1998
Investigation begins after complaint from Sun Microsystems. Sun Microsystems complain Microsoft won't give technical information to allow its software to work with computers running Windows.

2000
European Commission (EC) alleges Microsoft witheld information to third parties.

2001
EC launches second investigation into bundling of Windows Media Player. Unfair to competitors such as Real Media says EC. Microsoft says customers have option to use others.

2002
Microsoft enters discussions with competition officials to settle case.

2003
August Commision's third statement on interoprability and media player.
November Oral hearing.

2004
March Commision finds Microsoft in breach of competiton law and market dominance. Told to create version without Media Player and license server protocols to Sun.
May Microsoft appeals.
June Microsoft asks for remedies to be suspended pending appeal.
December Court denies suspension.

2005
January Microsoft draft licensing programme for Windows Server.
July Windows XP launched without media functions.
December EC not happy with technical documentation - fines Microsoft ?2m a day.


2006
April Microsoft and EU appointed monitor agrees technical documentation. Microsoft appeal at court of first instance begins. 
June EC fines Microsoft ?280.5m for 2004 decision non-compliance and says it will fine to ?3m per day for future non-compliance.

2007
March EC, in its sixth statement, says Microsoft is not in compliance - this time in regard to protocol pricing.
September Microsoft loses appeal to overturn £343m fine for abusing 'dominant position'.

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