The case dates back to 2003 when Seattle-based RealNetworks filed charges against Redmond-based Microsoft in a San Jose, California, federal court charging Microsoft with hiding technical information about Windows that made it more difficult for Real to develop RealPlayer software for Windows.
In addition, Real charged that Microsoft signed restrictive licensing agreements with computer makers to get Windows Media Player onto PCs. Real had asked for damages of more than $1 billion.
Wide-Ranging Agreements
The three agreements include an agreement to resolve all the companies’ antitrust disputes worldwide. The two companies also agreed on a wide-ranging digital music collaboration, including promotional and marketing support of Real’s digital music subscription service, Rhapsody, on MSN properties.
Microsoft also agreed to offer RealNetworks’ digital games through MSN Games and Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360.
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