EU Probe of Microsoft, Time Warner Is Expected

Microsoft Corp. and Time Warner Inc. will face an in-depth probe by the European Commission of their plans to jointly control a digital rights management firm, a person close to the situation said Tuesday.

The four-month probe will be announced today, the source said. Of the hundreds of cases filed annually with the commission, the European Union’s antitrust authority, only a few are subject to an in-depth inquiry.

The commission found this year that Microsoft abused its virtual monopoly in the market for personal computer operating systems. Once a company has been found to abuse its dominance, anything it does receives an extra measure of scrutiny from the commission.

Microsoft and Time Warner have asked the commission for permission to acquire joint control of ContentGuard Inc., a Bethesda, Md., maker of anti-piracy software.

Technology used to prevent the illegal use or copying of digital files is a growing priority for movie and video game makers, recording companies and software firms. As a result, companies including Microsoft and Time Warner are investing heavily in such technology.