In short, the petitioners accused Microsoft of monopolizing the market by way of unfair practices. In 2000, the court found Microsoft guilty of such violations of antitrust laws. As a consequence, Microsoft was broken into two businesses. What's more, other businesses filed grievances against Microsoft; the latter oftentimes settled out of court, paying restitution to the claimants. Shortly after the judgment to breakup Microsoft was made, it was partly overturned in an appellate court. Furthermore, recent events have shown a more conciliatory stance towards Microsoft; President Bush's administration sought a settlement with the computer giant in 2001.
Microsoft has been brought to court abroad as well. The European Union forced the company to pay over $600 million dollars in fines as a result of its anti-competitive practices. What's more, Microsoft was required to divulge some of its industry formula to rivals in the hopes of promoting future competition.
Certainly, additional antitrust legislation and decisions are likely to emerge as situations and conditions arise and...
Like most policies, those of business regulation reflect the social contexts from which they emerge. It will prove interesting to witness such developments and their real life implications.
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