Microsoft Anti-Trust Case - Essay Example

All the antitrust legislations of America are derived from the Sherman Antitrust Act 1890, which accords full authority to a court of law for ascertaining the specific business transactions that are tantamount to restrictive trade practices. (1)

In all the relevant cases, law courts are necessitated to thoroughly examine them (cases) for making apt interpretations that lead to apt judgments. (2)

In this particular antitrust case related to Microsoft, the ruling of the law court is indeed very much justifiable. Undoubtedly, Microsoft acted against the provisions of antitrust laws, when it started to distribute its Internet Browser at no cost. It also needs to be accepted that, then, Microsoft was propelled by the primary objective of eliminating competition from Netscape. (4)

At this juncture, the biggest question that arises is, “When Microsoft indulged in practices prohibited by the law, how could the court give a ruling that consumers benefitted by the actions of the company?” As has been noted earlier in this analysis, the onus of examining the cases from the perspective of the concerned laws rests on the law courts.

In this particular case, notwithstanding the initial actions of Microsoft, the end result actually turned out to be highly beneficial for the consumers. Owing to the Internet browser of Microsoft provided at no cost, consumers were enabled to develop a thorough understanding of Internet operations, and that too when the technology was in its initial stages. This has led to extensive usage of the Internet, encompassing diverse realms of activity. Because of this initiative taken by Microsoft, many other players of the market such as Netscape also started supplying Internet browsers of topmost quality at reasonable prices. (4)

In due course of time, all these market developments led to the scenario of the Internet revolutionizing the sphere of technology and communications. That huge volume of business is now being carried out through Internet, leading to the economic growth of nations, which is attributable to the initial step taken by Microsoft. Hence, it can be concluded without hesitation that, in this particular case, the initial antitrust actions of Microsoft indeed contributed towards not just individual growth, but also enhanced economic strength of the country.

Concluding Thoughts

This case can be considered just as an exceptional one, as the major chunk of antitrust practices of companies is always detrimental to the consumers. From the perspective of the consumer, it is indeed heartening to be noted that the present-day antitrust laws are more stringent than ever, and thus offering enhanced protection to their interests.