Google offers to settle with EU over antitrust gripes, olive branch now fully extended

EU flags

Google knows that there’s a looming EU antitrust lawsuit if it doesn’t volunteer some kind of change to its search practices, so it’s not entirely surprising that chairman Eric Schmidt has sent a letter offering a settlement to the European Commission’s competition chief Joaquin Almunia. The details of just what that potential truce entails are under wraps, although Almunia has long broadcast his concerns that Google might be unfairly favoring its own services above those of others — he’d be most happy if the results were more organic. It’s hard to say whether or not Google is prepared to follow along, but a peace gesture is a sharp break from the company’s previously firm view that there’s no need to change. We wouldn’t be surprised if the EU’s recent success in fining Microsoft has left Google hesitant to take its chances in court.

Google offers to settle with EU over antitrust gripes, olive branch now fully extended originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNew York Times  | Email this | Comments

Court upholds EU antitrust decision against Microsoft, reduces fine slightly to $1.07 billion

Court upholds EU antitrust decision against Microsoft, reduces fine slightly to $107 billion

Europe’s second-highest court has finally denied Microsoft’s 2008 appeal of its 899 million euro ($1.35 billion) EU antitrust fine, while reducing the award to 860 million euros ($1.07 billion). If you can’t remember that far back, Redmond was hit with the penalty for delaying information about its operating system to rival companies, impeding their progress in competing with the software giant. It’s not known if a further appeal is possible, but we suspect that the company won’t give up if it’s got any options — it’s not exactly pocket change we’re talking about.

Court upholds EU antitrust decision against Microsoft, reduces fine slightly to $1.07 billion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 05:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments