- Microsoft accused of unreasonable software licensing practice … again – this time in the UK
- Consumers, businesses and the public sector are all affected
- Office and Windows Licenses are central to the matter
Microsoft is facing a legal claim to several quantities in the UK on alleged competitive behavior-redmond has been accused of unreasonable software license practice, a complaint, it is far too well-known with recent litigation and investigations.
The claim accuses the company of abusing its market dominance of limiting competition between new and pre-owned software licenses and bloating prices for both.
In the event of this particular trial in the UK, the focus is on Microsoft Office and Windows licenses sold since October 1, 2015, and therefore spans a period of a decade.
Microsoft is in trouble in the UK over software licensing practice
Stewarts, a British-based law firm, heads the trial and represents British consumers, businesses and public bodies that bought affected licenses.
On the way to the case, Kate Pollock explained (via Registered): “Microsoft’s behavior has had an in -depth and expensive influence on millions of individuals and private and public sector organizations that depend on its software for daily business operations.”
“This claim seeks to keep Microsoft to explain and secure compensation for the many affected members of the class. With billions of pounds potentially at stake, this case is about ensuring justice in the digital marketplace and ensuring that even the largest tech companies play according to the rules,” added Alex Wolfson, the proposed class representative.
This is not the first time Microsoft has been in the news of competitive business practices. A 2020 complaint from Slack was recently resolved when the tech giant unbound teams from its software subscriptions. Microsoft was also in trouble in the UK last year over allegedly making it more expensive for Windows server customers to use the software on rival cloud platforms.
Cispe, who represented Sky providers throughout Europe, also filed a complaint in 2022, but withdrew it after reaching a solution with Windows Maker.
Techradar Pro Have asked Microsoft for a comment on the open British case – any update will be sent here.
