ECIS: Microsoft source code offer tries to duck competition concerns
As indicated by the European Commission on 23 December, Microsoft has to date failed to meet its obligations to provide information essential for developers wishing to develop complementary or competing products which interoperate with Microsoft’s dominant server and client PC operating systems. ECIS has taken note of Microsoft’s offer today to provide limited access to […]
ECIS comments on the Real’s settlement with Microsoft
ECIS has noted the settlement between RealNetworks and Microsoft. This settlement must not result in the closure of the EU case. The Commission must, and we expect it will, proceed vigorously with its case against MSFT. Precedent-setting cases such as the EU investigation take time. Since 1999 the market has moved on, and Microsoft has […]
ECIS proposes compromise language for Article 6a of proposed Directive on computer implemented inventions
Interoperability is of crucial importance to preserve choice for European consumers between competing offerings, and to preserve the equality of opportunity that the European IT sector needs to flourish. CII patents are desirable to foster innovation in Europe, but if patents could be used to prevent software vendors from developing new programs that can communicate […]
Commission indicates 1991 Software Copyright Directive provisions on decompilation are not ripe for review
The European Commission has released a working document which reviews existing EU copyright legislation and in which the Commission makes suggestion for amendments to the existing rules. As regards the 1991 Software Directive’s provisions on decompilation, the Commission suggests that these do not require amendment: “(2.2.1.3. Decompilation) The objective of Article 6 on decompilation is […]
ECIS welcomes Commission Decision finding Microsoft infringed Article 82
The European Commission has issued a Decision finding that Microsoft Corporation infringed European Union competition law by leveraging its near monopoly in the market for PC operating systems (OS) onto the markets for work group server operating systems by refusing to make available interface information and on the market for media players by tying Windows […]