RealNetworks And Microsoft Settle

The AP reports that REALNETWORKS, INC. has settled its legal dispute with MICROSOFT, which ends the last major major antitrust case against BILL GATES’ software juggernaut. 

REALNETWORKS announced today that is has agreed to drop all its antitust claims in exchange for three deals with MICROSOFT worth up to $761 million. The deals include a $460 million upfront cash payment to settle the antitrust case, plus an additional $301 million in cash and services designed to help REALNETWORKS foster is products on a wider audience. 

"Today we're closing one chapter and opening a new one in our relationship with MICROSOFT," ROB GLASER, REALNETWORKS' founder and CEO, said in a statement released before a joint news conference. 

REALNETWORKS sued in DECEMBER 2003, accusing MICROSOFT of illegally forcing Windows users to accept MICROSOFT's digital media player. REALNETWORKS said its player suffered as a result. 

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