Microsoft declines comment on reports of EU hearing

Microsoft Tuesday declined to comment on reports that it is planning to request a hearing in its ongoing antitrust lawsuit in the European Union.

“We are working hard to respond to the European Commission’s statement of objections issued last month,” spokeswoman Tiffany Steckler said.

The Commission issued a statement in August setting out its argument that Microsoft has abused its dominant position with the Windows operating systems in order to leverage that strength into the markets for server software and audio and video playing software.

Reports Tuesday claimed that by requesting a hearing, Microsoft was trying to stall for time.

A spokeswoman at the European Commission, Amelia Torres, said Microsoft has the right to an oral hearing before the competition regulator concludes the case, but declined to comment on whether Microsoft has requested a hearing or not.