It appears that Adobe didn’t like Microsoft integrating PDF natively into Office 2007, the second most popular request they get from customers. While the “save as PDF” feature is already available in products such OpenOffice, WordPerfect Office and Apple (Computer’s applications), Adobe has threatened to file an antitrust complaint against Microsoft with the European Commission if the software giant includes the PDF “save as” feature in its Office 2007, Heiner added.
PDF which is an open format, is also copyrighted by Adobe, inc. but according to the PDF reference everyone is granted copyright access to include PDF support in their product assuming it conforms to some guidelines.
Including a “Save as PDF” feature in your software isn’t illegal, but the case of Microsoft is different. Having the European Commission already taking a look at Vista for antitrust issues, Microsoft cannot even discuss a price resolution with Adobe without violating antitrust laws surrounding price fixing. Antitrust laws prohibit competitors from working together to lower or raise prices Heiner said.
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