Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92002E2053

**WRITTEN QUESTION P-2053/02 by Bert Doorn (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Investigation into Microsoft's dominant economic position.** 
  
*Official Journal 137 E , 12/06/2003 P. 0041 - 0042*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2053/02

by Bert Doorn (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 July 2002)

Subject: Investigation into Microsoft's dominant economic position

In spite of the investigation currently being carried out by the European Commission into Microsoft's alleged abuse of its dominant economic position, the company appears to be continuing, undeterred, to pursue the same course.

In particular in the area of upgrades or licence renewal for software, the company is intending very shortly to introduce a number of disproportionate price increases.

Is the Commission aware that, while the investigation is going on, Microsoft is continuing to abuse its dominant position, specifically by imposing new licensing arrangements for software?

Is the Commission aware that swift action on its part is desirable in view of the major economic interests at stake and the possible damage to European companies?

What action does the Commission intend to take against Microsoft in the short-term?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(1 August 2002)

The Commission is aware of Microsoft' revised practices as regards the pricing of its software upgrades and licence renewals. As the Commission has not yet formally investigated this issue, it is not in a position to confirm or deny whether such practices may constitute an abuse of a dominant position.

As the Commission has highlighted in its reply to written question E-1823/02 by Mr Meijer(1), for reasons of efficient allocation of its limited resources and in light of its ongoing case against Microsoft, the Commission agreed with several national competition authorities in 2001 that these competition authorities would conduct the first analysis of Microsoft's upgrade licensing policy. Taking into account the work that has been done by the relevant national competition authorities on this issue, the Commission is currently examining with these authorities the most efficient way to carry the investigation forward.

(1) OJ C 92 E, 17.4.2003, p. 95.

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