Microsoft"s settlement with RealNetworks on Tuesday eliminates one lingering headache for the embattled software maker, but other legal migraines remain.
Most prominent is the European Union"s ongoing pursuit of Microsoft through the courts. In March 2004, then-European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti levied a 497 million euro ($596 million) fine after ruling that the company had unfairly wielded its market power against rivals.
RealNetworks was the largest corporation participating in the European Union"s antitrust prosecution and must withdraw from those proceedings under the terms of the settlement. But RealNetworks" absence likely won"t make a difference during Microsoft"s appeal.