28 April 2005 Software giant Microsoft could be liable for penalties of up to $5 million per day until it complies with the European Commission’s antitrust ruling, it has emerged.

In March 2004, The EC fined Microsoft €497 million and ordered the software giant to offer an alternative version of its Windows operating system without the Windows Media Player software within 90 days.

The EC believed that Microsoft was unfairly using its dominant position in the desktop operating system market to stifle competition in other areas, such as media players.

But more than a year after its initial ruling the EC remains unhappy about Microsoft’s effort to comply.

Microsoft described the meeting as “part of an ongoing dialogue between the company and the EC.”

“The commission will be obliged to take formal steps to ensure compliance,” said EC spokesperson Jonathan Todd. “The EC’s patience is limited and will run out in weeks rather than months,” he added. The deadline for compliance has yet to be announced.