Microsoft has appealed against the EU's landmark antitrust decision at the European Court of First Instance by charging the ruling would undermine innovation and growth.
The appeal, filed yesterday, asks the court in Luxembourg to annul the European Commission's ruling.
"We believe that the interest of consumers and other European companies should be at the heart of this case," said Microsoft's top lawyer in Europe, Mr Horacio Gutierrez.
Microsoft lawyer, Mr Horacio Gutierrez
The US software giant was to ask in a subsequent filing for a suspension of the EU's sanctions, including a record €330 million fine and an order to sell a version of Windows minus its digital Media Player in Europe.
Court president Mr Bo Vesterdorf can decide whether to temporarily freeze the sanctions, which start going into effect in late June, pending a ruling on that aspect later this year.
The appeal process is expected to take several years.