So Paulo, June 4, 2004 — The Brazilian government has cleared Microsoft of the accusation of preventing competition in the software sector. The Economic Defense Administration Board (CADE), the Brazilian agency of the Justice Ministry responsible for ruling on questions regarding market competition, has published the decision at: http://www.cade.gov.br/julgados/microsoft/acor001182-1998.pdf .
Microsoft, which makes the personal finance software Microsoft Money, was accused in 1998 by the Brazilian software firm Paiva Piovesan of impeding the competitiveness of its finance software, which is produced in Brazil. But the CADE board members found unanimously in Microsoft’s favor on May 19, based on the opinion of the case reporter, who recommended the filing of the process.
“It is Microsofts priority to conduct its business in a respectful manner and in agreement with the laws and regulations of the countries it operates in. We have acted responsibly while seeking to build the best products and services we can to meet the needs of our customers”
, said Rinaldo Zangirolami, senior attorney with Microsoft Brazil.
“We have collaborated over the past six years with the Brazilian authorities and we are very pleased with the outcome of the case.”
Microsoft is committed to conducting its business with transparency around the world. To that end, the company has worked with regulators in America, Europe and Asia to address questions and to ensure its business practices are in full compliance with all laws and regulations.
“We are committed to Brazil and our customers, building a more constructive relationship with the government of Brazil and other South American governments”
, said Luiz Sette, senior attorney for Microsoft Latin America.
“We are pleased the Brazilian government has cleared us of these allegations and we look forward to our continued efforts to address shared concerns that impact Brazil and South America.”
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