The European Commission claims Microsoft has not changed its behaviour since it was fined 497m euros (£331m) in 2004 and has warned the software giant that it could face further fines for failing to comply with its anti-trust rulings. In an escalation of its long-running battle with the US firm, Brussels said Microsoft had been seeking unreasonable prices from competitors for key data that will allow other companies to make sure their software works properly with Microsoft"s operating systems. In response, Microsoft said the threat of further fines was unreasonable.
Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes was quoted as saying that she was "not used to dealing with companies who drag their feet as Microsoft is doing. Microsoft is a company not used to losing." The firm said: "It is hard to see how the Commission can argue that even patented innovation must be made available for free."