A bit more detail from the EU: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=...;
(beware, long link above - it might have split)
Conduct remedies are: * Microsoft is required, within 120 days, to disclose complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers. * Microsoft is required, within 90 days, to offer to PC manufacturers a version of its Windows client PC operating system without WMP.
The discussion of the interfaces specifically states two things. First, it does not require source-code disclosure, only interface documentation. I would think it fairly likely that interfaces would be either uncopyrightable, or of extremely low commercial value (you can pick up books in shops full of W32 interfaces for tens of pounds ;). I'm not sure whether or not a patent right could subsist in an interface either, I can't really think of a reason why it might.
Second, they state "[If] any of this interface information [is Microsoft] intellectual property [..], Microsoft would be entitled to reasonable remuneration". So, MS' IP rights cannot stop them from publishing the document, we must renumerate them for their rights. Given the lack of rights in interfaces (in my opinion; see above :), I'm not sure the remuneration would amount to much.
Also, the original complaint was not to do with WMP bundling - that's something Super Mario took on during the investigation. The interfaces and interoperation is the important part; I think the EU is doing the WMP because a) it's probably a slam-dunk legally, b) it sets the precedent that MS are not allowed to use their desktop market share to leverage their other products. Remember, Microsoft were found guilty of exactly the same thing in the US - they may have plea-bargained their way to a cosy settlement, but the judgement stuck. The EU is unlikely to be as kind, because they're not a native company. And if the WMP judgement is made to stick over here, other judgements can be made more quickly (and there are others in the works, apparently).
So, I don't really think it's a "pat on the back".
Cheers,
Alex.