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10/11/05

Businessweek: EU says it will press Microsoft case

Businessweek

EU says it will press Microsoft case

Microsoft's remaining opponents in the European Union legal case said Tuesday that a settlement between the software giant and RealNetworks Inc. resolving their antitrust disputes will not deter the EU from proceeding. RealNetworks, maker of a rival to Microsoft's Media Player, announced a US$761 million (euro633 million) legal settlement with its longtime adversary that ends all their antitrust disputes worldwide -- including Reals participation in the EU case. The companies said the agreement includes a US$460 million (euro381 million) cash payment to resolve all damages claims and a series of technology licenses and commitments under which Real will obtain long-term access to some Windows Media technologies. Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates said Tuesday that while it is up to the European Union to decide how to proceed following the settlement, "hopefully it's a positive thing."The settlement will be "completely irrelevant," EU spokesman Jonathan Todd said. "We will continue to ensure full and complete compliance with the March 2004 decision," Todd said. "The role of the commission is to ensure the proper application of EU competition law for the benefit of consumers and companies in Europe."

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