Simon Taylor

The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it would present draft regulation by the middle of the year aimed at cutting mobile phone roaming charges in Europe by more than half.

Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday that it has asked for a public hearing to present arguments that it is complying with the European Commission's 2004 antitrust ruling. The Commission, however, has so far denied the request.

Facing accusations by Microsoft Corp. that it has colluded with the company's rivals in its ongoing antitrust case, the European Commission has hit back. On Friday, the Commission released a confidential agreement with the company that, it says, proves that it has acted properly.

Microsoft Corp. accused the European Commission of actively working with the company's rivals and failing to act as an independent regulator in its ongoing antitrust case against the company.

Opponents of attempts to allow software to be patented in the European Union warned Monday that new consultations on an E.U.-wide general patent could be used to reintroduce software patents through the back door.

Some of Microsoft Corp.'s biggest rivals lodged a new complaint with the European Commission over its Office applications suite and other, upcoming products, arguing that the company's business practices are shutting out competitors.

Prospects of a legal battle between the German government and the European Commission over a new network for online access to World Cup football matches moved a step closer.

Prospects of a legal battle between the German government and the European Commission over a new network for online access to World Cup football matches moved a step closer on Monday.