Microsoft antitrust case begins again

The Fair Trade Commission said yesterday that it will take more time to decide whether Microsoft Korea violated antitrust regulations, after the antitrust panel resumed hearings for the first time in more than a month. The case dates back to September 2001, when Daum Communications Corp. filed a petition with the commission. The Korean portal company accused Microsoft of breaking fair trade laws because it bundled its MSN Messenger program, the instant messaging software, in its Microsoft Windows operating system. Last October, Real Networks Inc. of the United States, a provider of network-delivered digital audio and video services, also asked the commission to review Microsoft’s move to include Windows Media Player in the Microsoft Windows operating system. Daum Communications and Real Networks both argued that Microsoft abused its position as market leader in domestic operating systems, while Microsoft said that its bundling of different programs is merely a part of the newest trend in the information technology industry. The case shows no signs of ending anytime soon. The ruling is expected at the end of next month at the earliest. “We have to give the Microsoft side more time to present their side of the story,” said an official with the commission. “Then we have to go back to Daum and Real Networks. This may take a long time.” The commission is also being especially cautious because the case has drawn attention from information technology sectors worldwide. If the Fair Trade Commission rules against Microsoft, it could have repercussions in other countries where Microsoft subsidiaries are mired in similar cases. Pending the commission’s verdict here, Real Networks already plans to take Microsoft China to court on the same charges of antitrust law violation. by Kim Jong-yoon