EU fines Microsoft record $1.35b

BRUSSELS: The European Commission fined Microsoft Corp a record $1.35 billion yesterday for defying sanctions imposed on the software giant for antitrust violations, far exceeding the original penalty.

The commission, executive arm of the European Union, has now fined Microsoft $2.52 billion for its original violation and for failing to comply with sanctions, more than any other firm. It said no other company had ever ignored sanctions.

"Microsoft was the first company in 50 years of EU competition policy that the commission has had to fine for failure to comply with an antitrust decision," Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement.