Microsoft will come to a conclusion in two months, with the EU court hearing the case announcing it hand down a decision on September 17.
The case has been one of the longest and most-watched regulator actions in EU history – not least because Microsoft has so vehemently resisted.
The European Court of Final Instance, the second highest court in the EU judicial infrastructure, said it would release its decision at 9.30 in the morning on September 17.
The European Commission fined Microsoft Euro497 million (A$784 million) for abuse of its market power related to the distribution of its Windows desktop and server operating systems.
Much of the court action related to the Microsoft Media Player software. Microsoft was ordered in 2004 to sell versions of Windows without Media Player, as well as to make available the software code underpinning Windows to allow Media Player competitors better access to the Windows desktop.
Microsoft appealed those decisions in the European Court of First Instance in April last year.
In July last year, the European Commission daily fines that have added up to nearly Euros300 million for not adhering to the ruling. Microsoft has paid the fines, but is appealing the decision that applied them – and clearly wants its money back.
While the court ruling is being closely watched, and will give direction to the dispute, it may not be the end.
Microsoft said in a statement: “We look forward to receiving the court's judgement and continue to work with industry and government on the best way to serve the needs of customers and communities in Europe.”
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