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Deadline Looming for Microsoft in Antitrust Case

Posted by samzenpus on from the pay-up dept.

gaijincory writes "The International Herald Tribune reminds us that the end of the month is Microsoft's deadline to comply with the European Commission's antitrust ruling. The fine for non-compliance? A cool $5 million per day."

5 of 397 comments (clear)

  1. And at that rate... by T(V)oney · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ... they would have a few months to figure out what they wanted to do about it.

    1. Re:And at that rate... by should_be_linear · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Not really. If regulation bodies in EU recognize that MS is happy with 5M/day, commision will be glad to increase it. Don't forget that majority in EU parliament and commision are leftist parties (socialists, greens). It would be political suicide for them to be fooled by mother of all evil (in their mind): Giant American Corporation.

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    2. Re:And at that rate... by MoonBuggy · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Ignoring stockholder issues that others have mentioned, here's how the fine breaks down:
      MS reported $2,560,000,000 profit last quarter. Spread over 90 days that's $28,444,444.44 profit per day. That means that $5,000,000 per day is about 17.6% of their profit. If the EU provides less than 17.6% of MS's market then it'll be actively costing them money to remain operating in Europe.

      The question then is how much money is it worth to retain worldwide dominance? If they loose Europe, it's a massive crack in their market since the multinational companies will have to be interoperable with non-MS software. MS does have a strong incentive to comply here, AFAICS.

  2. what is to stop the EU by Dance_Dance_Karnov · · Score: 4, Interesting

    from increasing the fine if MS doesn't comply and just pays it out?

  3. Re:wtf by Kinky+Bass+Junk · · Score: 4, Interesting

    (From The Seattle Times) "It amounts to about $3,000 per hour for one lawyer, more than $2,000 an hour each for 34 other attorneys and $1,000 an hour for administrative work."

    Yes, i know that's an old article, but it would more than likely be similar. When worked out as a 8hr day (9-5), i got $65,400 - not quite $5 million a day.

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    Anonymous Coward