Counteraction to Monopolistic Activity in the Field of Software on the Example of Cases against Microsoft

Abstract

The present work is devoted to the description of the evolution of antimonopoly cases brought against Microsoft by the American, European and Russian antimonopoly authorities. The focus of this work is on assessing the ability of Microsoft as a manufacturer of an operating system that occupies a dominant position that can influence competition in the application software market, including the browser market, antivirus protection and media players. The position in the market of operating systems is closely related to the presence of direct and indirect network effects. It was found that in most cases Microsoft was accused of obtaining vertical restrictions and related sales in order to restrict competition. In addition, in later antitrust cases against Microsoft, there has been an increasing focus on behavioral aspects.