Microsoft: European Fine 'Excessive'

Microsoft told the European Court of First Instance Friday that the 497 million euro fine it had been ordered to pay by the European Commission should either be reduced or thrown out. Lawyers for the Redmond company called it "excessive" as they argued Microsoft did not knowingly engage in monopolistic practices.

Ian Forrester, a Microsoft attorney, said the fine was imposed more out of creating media interest, saying "the largest fine in history would make for large headlines." The Commission denied that charge. A ruling is not expected for several months, but if the court rules in the EU's favor it would fundamentally change the way Microsoft operates in Europe, as well as endorse the Commission's regulatory power.