A computer trade group has filed a new complaint against Microsoft Corporation to the European Commission.
The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA)alleges the latest XP version of Windows gives the software giant an illegal advantage over the competition, sources said today.
The 260-page complaint says the commission should look at Microsoft's tactics as an overall, co-ordinated effort designed to maintain a monopoly.
The CCIA said it is fighting for consumers, arguing: "Microsoft's overwhelming dominance and its abuse of that dominance reaches into every corner of Europe and harms virtually every business and consumer who uses a computer".
CCIA filed its complaint as Competition Commissioner Mr Mario Monti and his staff near a decision over whether Microsoft committed illegal practices with older versions of its software.
Microsoft Chairman Mr Bill Gates argued in the company's US trial that competitors had no one to blame but themselves for marketplace failures and were trying to use the courts to gain an unfair advantage.