Microsoft hit by Chinese ruling

Microsoft is trying to expand its market share in China

A court in China has ordered Microsoft to stop selling versions of its Windows operating system that include fonts designed by a Chinese company.

The ruling says the US giant has violated the scope of licensing deals between it and Zhongyi Electronic.

Microsoft has been ordered to stop selling all affected Chinese versions of Windows, but it is unclear when the ruling will take effect.

The company said in a statement that it would lodge an appeal.

Analysts said the ruling was a blow for Microsoft, which is trying to expand its market share in China, where it already has to contend with extensive software piracy.

"Microsoft respects intellectual property (IP) rights," said the company.

"We use third party IPs only when we have a legitimate right to do so."