Microsoft in more hot water with EU

Microsoft Corp, already battling an EU order to roll back its Windows monopoly, now faces an inquiry into a venture with Time Warner Inc., that would strengthen its grip on the anti-piracy software market.

The European Commission yesterday opened a probe into plans by Microsoft, the world’s largest software maker, and Time Warner, the biggest media firm, to control ContentGuard Inc.

Concessions offered by both companies failed to allay concerns the deal may stifle competition for software used to prevent illegal copying of music and films over the internet, the EU regulator said.