Microsoft to face UK class action over cloud computing licencing
Microsoft will face a UK class action trial alleging overcharging businesses using Windows Server and Azure cloud services.Summary
Microsoft Corp. is set to defend against a UK class action lawsuit claiming it abused its market dominance to overcharge businesses utilizing the Windows Server operating system and its Azure cloud platform. The Competition Appeal Tribunal in London determined the case, representing approximately 59,000 businesses and organizations, has “reasonable prospects of success,” potentially leading to payouts exceeding £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion). Microsoft plans to appeal the decision and contest the allegations, stating the ruling does not make a final determination on the claims. This legal challenge follows a recent investigation launched by the UK’s antitrust watchdog into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem, specifically examining the licensing practices of products like Word, Excel, and Copilot. The claimants, led by Maria Luisa Stasi, argue that Microsoft’s practices have caused significant financial harm to both public and private organizations, and the evidence from the watchdog’s investigation could bolster their case.
(Source：The Hindu Business Line)