Microsoft appeals against EU fine and sanctions

Microsoft has appealed against the EU’s landmark antitrust decision at the European Court of First Instance, charging the ruling would undermine innovation and growth.

The appeal, filed yesterday, asks the court in Luxembourg to annul the European Commission’s ruling.

“We believe that the interest of consumers and other European companies should be at the heart of this case,” said Microsoft’s top lawyer in Europe, Horacio Gutierrez.

The US software giant was to ask in a subsequent filing for a suspension of the EU’s sanctions, including a record £330m (€494m) fine and an order to sell a version of Windows minus its digital Media Player in Europe.

Court president Bo Vesterdorf can decide whether to temporarily freeze the sanctions, which start going into effect in late June, pending a ruling on that aspect later this year.

The entire appeal process is expected to take several years.