China starts Microsoft probe
June 18, 2008
BEIJING — China has begun an anti-monopoly investigation into US software giant Microsoft and lawsuits by local companies could follow, state media reported today.
China’s State Intellectual Property Office and some research institutions have targeted Microsoft and several other global software firms over suspected monopoly activities, the Shanghai Securities News said.
Firms will be organised to file lawsuits against the software giants after China’s debut anti-monopoly law comes into effect on August 1, unnamed sources told the newspaper.
The probe by Chinese regulators focuses on operating systems and other software developed by international companies that cost much more in China than in the US, one source was quoted as saying.
“One one hand, global software firms, taking advantage of their monopoly position, set unreasonably high prices for genuine software while on the other hand, they criticise Chinese for poor copyright awareness. This is abnormal."
“With the anti-monopoly law in place, Chinese government and companies have the obligation and right to correct the situation,” the source said.
One set of the Windows operating system plus Microsoft Office software can cost up to 7,000 yuan (1,015 dollars) in China, making it more expensive than a personal computer, the source said.
A spokesman with Beijing-based Microsoft China was not immediately available for comment.
Source:
The Times
That's encouraging piracy for sure.
