[link|http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/35141.html|http://www.theregist...tent/4/35141.html]

Microsoft will of course challenge any such finding in the EU's Court of First Instance. At stake will be a big fine that the European Commission will no doubt seek to levy. More importantly, Microsoft will defend itself against any attempt by the EC to enforce the separation of Windows Media Player from Windows. Last, there will be a squabble over what and how much information Microsoft will be ordered to share with its rivals.

Not very big news, but now we get to watch the fighting and squirming. Any side bets as to how long it takes MS to bargain their way into another Seattlement?

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Another person, who is also close to the case, said, "As far as the competition department is concerned, the ruling is final." Other departments of the commission are free to comment, but they generally would not alter an antitrust ruling in any substantive way, this person said.

Microsoft said Monday that it was continuing to negotiate with European Union regulators. "We are engaged actively and constructively with the European Commission," Microsoft spokesman Jim Desler said.