Microsoft is dropping its appeal against South Korea's anti-trust case after it lost a similar appeal against the European Competition Commission.

South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) found Microsoft guilty of breaking anti-trust laws by bundling its media player and instant messenger programmes with its operating system. The company was ordered to pay a fine of $34m and to offer a version of its software without the bundled applications.

Microsoft lost an initial appeal in 2006, but was taking the case to the High Court.

A Microsoft spokesman told AFP: "Microsoft has sought to withdraw its appeal."

No more detail was offered, although spinners for the Korean FTC also went on the record to say the appeal had been dropped. Presumably, the company will now pay the $34m fine and provide versions of its software which satisfy the court.

Microsoft UK could only provide the following statement: "We cannot comment on matters related to the KFTC or the court proceedings. It is important to note that Microsoft remains committed to Korea and continues to work closely with KFTC to ensure that Korean consumers benefit from vibrant competition in the IT industry."

AFP's story is here.

Last month, Microsoft lost an appeal in the Court of First Instance which found it guilty of abusing its monopoly position in Europe. The software giant has two months to appeal that decision to the European Court of Justice - its last possible appeal. ®

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