Brussels, 07/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - American IT giant Microsoft is negotiating a hearing, probably to take place in late November, with the European Commission, according to the agency Reuters. Until now, Microsoft had opted to present its defence in writing, sending the Commission an impressive volume of documentation. Amelia Torres, spokesperson to Commissioner Monti, did not confirm the information but stressed that "if Microsoft wants a hearing, it will get one. It is its right". It is worth noting that the Commission has been investigating Microsoft's alleged anti-competitive practices for over three years. The final stage of this long process took place in August, when the company was sent a statement of objections, which warned of a possible fine unless the company changed its commercial practices. Spokesperson Tilman Lueder said at the time that the Commission was in possession of "such a solid dossier that Microsoft can no longer ignore it", and added: "it would be at their peril if Microsoft and its lawyers failed to take this seriously" (see EUROPE of 7 August, p.2).