China Launches Antitrust Probe Vs. Microsoft

snydeq writes "China has launched an investigation into whether Microsoft unfairly dominates its software market, according to a state media report. A working committee of China's State Intellectual Property Office is investigating whether Microsoft engaged in discriminatory pricing and will also look at Microsoft's practice of bundling other software programs within its Windows operating system, according to the report. The probe is part of a greater sweep of operating systems and other software developed by multinational companies that cost much more in China than in the U.S. 'On the 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,' a source said."

Abnormal?

[Xelios]

"set unreasonably high prices for genuine software while on the other hand, they criticise Chinese for poor copyright awareness. This is abnormal"

Actually, that sounds pretty normal to me.

Antitrust over the 1 copy of Windows?

[fprintf]

So there is an anti-trust investigation over the one legitimate copy of Windows in China?

Not First Post

[Anonymous Coward]

In other news Microsoft is seeking an injunction against the FOSS community for unfair competition practices. "It is entirely unfair that they offer their software at such unreasonable prices. The pricing policy of not charging users for the applications they use severely impacts our market penetration.", a Microsoft Sales Representative said.

Once again...

[Anonymous Coward]

Once again, China is just copying other countries. I bet their probe will be half the cost, too.

"China's State Intellectual Property Office"

[damburger]

That just gave me the best chuckle I've had all day

Re:The Microsoft Lottery

[Anonymous Coward]

In other news, it is rumored that the Duchy of Grand Fenwick is exploring the options regarding an anti-trust action against Microsoft.

Princess Bride

[Ukab the Great]

China To Microsoft: "You're trying to have a monopoly on what we've rightfully stolen"

How about a very different possibility?

[Enlarged to Show Tex]

Perhaps this is a prelude to the Chinese government looking to do something better with American dollars than have them sitting in US government debt. If the Party were looking to buy out Microsoft, they could really have the rest of the world bent over a barrel, enjoying a tremendous amount of control over anyone that uses MS software.

Not only that, it finally gives the BSA the power it's looking for - let's hear it for the Chinese military fighting the BSA's battles to defend Microsoft's owners and their IP...

Re:Take a guess

[JCSoRocks]

I heard about the chair throwing, but shooting people? Balmer has gone too far!

Re:More communist lies

[stormguard2099]

and maybe you'll start to see why people pirate.

because there's no year of the linux desktop on the chinese calendar?

Re:What?

[MrNaz]

I salute your use of alliteration in illustrating your point, my liege.

Re:Wha?

[Random BedHead Ed]

Your (Microsoft) software is so good and so expensive

I know. The timing of this investigation shows the Chinese are reeling from how good Microsoft's software is, now that Vista's out.

Boy...

[TrebleJunkie]

...if this isn't the hammer calling the sickle black.

Re:What?

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm warming to this executing bankers concept; can
I join the Chinese Communist party?