U.S. reaction to Microsoft ruling unacceptable-EU

Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:45am EDT
 
[-] Text [+]

(Corrects spelling of "unacceptable" in second paragraph)

BRUSSELS, Sept 19 (Reuters) - EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes shot back on Wednesday against criticism from the United States of a European court ruling this week that Microsoft (MSFT.O) broke antitrust laws.

"I think it is totally unacceptable that a representative of the U.S. administration criticises an independent court of law outside its jurisdiction," Kroes told reporters.

"The European Commission does not pass judgment on rulings by a U.S. court and we expect the same level of respect."

The Justice Department said on Monday it was "concerned" about the Court of First Instance's "unilateral" decision on to uphold a European Commission antitrust ruling against Microsoft, saying it could hurt consumers and discourage innovation.

 
Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better

Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better