And Now They are blaming Microsoft for their problems.
RealNetworks sues Microsoft-Snip-
RealNetworks Inc., the Seattle-based software maker dogged by Microsoft Corp. throughout its 10-year life, yesterday filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against its nemesis, alleging that the Redmond company has tried to use its monopoly power in PC operating systems to unlawfully dominate the digital media market.
In the suit, which could extend Microsoft's 13-year-long antitrust woes for at least three more years, RealNetworks is seeking $1 billion or more in damages and an injunction requiring changes in Microsoft's business practices. Barring a settlement, the jury trial will take place in the high-tech hub of San Jose, Calif.
RealNetworks alleges in the lawsuit that Microsoft's anti-competitive practices let it rise from virtually no presence in streaming media in 1997 to lead RealNetworks in market share for digital media players by 2002. Microsoft's conduct "poses a dangerous probability of creating a monopoly in the digital media markets," the suit says.
"Despite our success with new products and services, we believe it's clear our business would be substantially larger today if Microsoft were playing by the rules," said Rob Glaser, RealNetworks' founder and chief executive.
Microsoft called the suit "unfortunate and particularly surprising given the intense competition in the digital media marketplace."
Although RealNetworks has served as a witness against Microsoft in both the highly publicized U.S. joint federal-state proceedings and the European Union's antitrust actions, it said such acts can't recoup losses caused by Microsoft's illegal activities.
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