China Begins Antitrust Probe of Microsoft... Or Maybe Not

Posted by D. Daniel Sokol

Though the Chinese AML does not go into effect until August 2008, news reports from China (for Chinese language reports see here, here, and here) state that Chinese authorities have already begun an investigation into monopolistic practices by Microsoft.  For a new antitrust regime, my sense is that this is a terrible strategic decision to make in terms of agency priorities given very significant agency capacity constraints.  If Chinese enforcers want to make an immediate impact, they should focus on cartels and competition advocacy.  These are low hanging fruit and success will build momentum in creating a competition culture in China.

HT- Paul Jones

11:30am Update

According to Bloomberg, China Says There's No Antitrust Probe on Microsoft.