RealNetworks Files Suit Against Microsoft

ZDNet reports that RealNetworks filed suit against Microsoft on antitrust charges alleging that Microsoft "pursued a broad course of predatory conduct over a period of years...resulting in substantial lost revenue and business for RealNetworks."

The complaint is reminiscent of Microsoft's previous antitrust lawsuit which found that Microsoft abused its monopoly position and control of the operating system to unfairly promote its browser over competitors. Similarly, RealNetworks' lawsuit alleges a similar pattern with respect to digital media players.

Real's 64-page complaint accuses Microsoft of "tying" its Windows Media Player to its Windows operating system, shutting out competitors such as Real and instantly achieving "virtually universal distribution."