Microsoft files complaint against Google

SEATTLE, USA: Microsoft Corp stepped up its rivalry with Google Inc on Thursday by filing a formal complaint with the European Commission claiming Google systematically thwarts Internet search competition.

It is the first time Microsoft -- itself the target of anti competition action in the United States and Europe -- has filed a complaint with regulators over competition issues.

In its complaint, Microsoft claims Google engages in a "pattern of actions" that impede competition unfairly, giving numerous examples of what it believes are anti competitive acts.

Google controls more than 90 per cent of the Internet search advertising market in Europe, well ahead of Microsoft's rival Bing, which is struggling to make inroads into Google's market share.

Google did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on the complaint.