On July 15, 1994, the United States sued Microsoft for unlawfully maintaining its monopoly in the market for PC operating system software. The lawsuit alleged that Microsoft engaged in anti-competitive marketing practices directed at PC manufacturers that distributed Microsoft operating system software preinstalled on its PCs. Microsoft began to levy fines against original equipment manufacturing (OEM) companies who distributed or promoted operating systems other than Microsoft. On August 21, 1995, Microsoft "consented" to a "Final Judgement" against them.

As part of the "Final Judgement", Microsoft was prohibited from entering into agreements allowing them to fine OEM's for using non-Microsoft products. The judgement also stipulated that Microsoft could not misuse its monopoly power by conditioning licenses of its operating system software on OEMs either licensing any other Microsoft product or not licensing or distributing any non-Microsoft products. The purpose of this condition was to prevent Microsoft's use of such...