Microsoft gets last chance to plead its European antitrust case

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION is listening to Microsoft making oral representations this week before it makes a decision on whether to find against it for antitrust behaviour.

Microsoft will, apparently, have to come up with highly convincing pleadings to avoid fines which could be as much as over $3.2 billion, or 10% of its worldwide revenues.

The oral pleadings last from today until the end of the week, and will be held during normal European office hours.

The European Union's case against Microsoft is based on allegations that it tried to kybosh firms creating alternatives to Windows Media Player, and other practices which breach our laws in Europe.

The plaintiffs in the case will also make last minute representations to the antitrust commissioners. µ