Microsoft to appeal $1.38 billion fine

REDMOND, Wash., May 9 (UPI) -- Microsoft Corp. will appeal the $1.38 billion fine imposed by the European Commission in February, the company said Friday.

The company was seeking to reverse the decision, which resulted in the largest fine ever imposed by the European Commission, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Microsoft called the appeal "a constructive effort to seek clarity from the court."

The fine was imposed when the European Commission decided Microsoft had not complied with a March 2004 antitrust ruling for 488 days.

The commission ruled that, as the dominant player in the software industry, Microsoft had an obligation the reveal codes that would allow other companies to work with their system.

The original suit was filed on behalf of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International