Microsoft writes defense

Microsoft this weekend claimed Google's internet browser, Chrome, will be given more market dominance should the European Commission continue with its antitrust charges against Microsoft. The company expects Opera and Mozilla, each of which have agreements in place with Google, will default their browsers to the Google search engine. According to the FT, this claim was contained within Microsoft's written appeal to the EC.

Microsoft also claims Google could facilitate agreements directly with PC manufacturers, pushing companies to set search defaults to the Google search engine and giving the company extra market share as a result.

The Commission, which regulates competition amongst the 27-country European Union, filed charges against Microsoft in January. According to the EC, the company is hindering innovation of Internet browsers and reducing customer choice by packaging Internet Explorer with its operating system, Windows Vista. Microsoft has been packaging this since 1995. Microsoft was given two months to write a written response to the accusations, and received two extensions. The company will also be given an opportunity to defend itself at a hearing with the European Commission this June.

By Electronista Staff