Microsoft has been accused of overcharging for licences to use its software since 2015. Barrister Alexander Wolfson has filed an opt-out class action claim against Microsoft on behalf of millions in the UK who purchased licences for certain Microsoft-developed products, including Microsoft Office and Windows.
If successful, this mass lawsuit could result in a multibillion-pound bill for Microsoft.
Since Mr Wolfson has filed an opt-out claim, everyone in the UK who meets the criteria would automatically be issued with a share of the damages. You can register your interest with the campaign to find out more.
The lawsuit alleges that the US technology giant — now worth over $3.2 trillion (£2.8tn) — abused its market dominance and imposed restrictive licensing practices, which hampered competition and inflated prices.
As a result, businesses and consumers nationwide who bought software licences for some Microsoft products between October 1, 2015 and today were overcharged, the mass lawsuit claims.
Microsoft sells software licences for its best-selling applications and software, like Windows 11 and Microsoft Office, on its online store. These are available to individuals and businesses
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"Microsoft’s actions have had a significant and far-reaching impact on UK consumers, businesses and public bodies," Mr Wolfson told Press Association. "This claim seeks to hold Microsoft to account and to secure compensation for the many affected members of the class.
"With billions of pounds potentially at stake, this case is about ensuring fairness in the digital marketplace and ensuring even the largest tech companies play by the rules."
Kate Pollock, head of competition litigation at law firm Stewarts, which is working with Mr Wolfson, said: “Microsoft’s conduct has had a profound and costly impact on millions of individuals and private and public sector organisations that rely on its software for daily business operations.
“We believe that Microsoft abused its market dominance by imposing restrictive licensing practices that effectively shut down competition and inflated prices. We’re proud to be supporting Alexander Wolfson in bringing this claim.
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“With our specialist experience in complex competition litigation, we are well placed to help secure justice for the millions affected. This case has the potential to restore greater fairness and accountability to the UK’s increasingly digital economy."
Microsoft has been contacted for comment. In December, a separate £1 billion claim was filed with the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, alleging that Microsoft customers using rival cloud computing platforms to Microsoft’s own Azure were charged higher licensing fees to access its Windows server.
Additional Reporting By Martyn Landi, PA Technology Correspondent
