German Federal Cartel Agency Fines Microsoft

According to the federal agency, the Office Home & Student 2007 software was "heavily advertised in the autumn of 2008 in stationary retail outlets," among other things through a nationwide retailer by providing financial support. "Even before the launch of the advertising campaign in mid-October 2008, employees of Microsoft and the retailer in question had agreed on at least two occasions on the resale price of the software package."

Microsoft was accused of "actively trying to coordinate the pricing activities of the retailer" to determine its future actions. Microsoft accepted the fine, according to the agency announcement.