"The hearing before the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) concerns a case brought by Dr Maria Luisa Stasi, which accuses Microsoft of overcharging UK businesses and organizations that use Windows Server on rival platforms, such as Google or AWS. At its core, the case is simple - Microsoft is alleged to have used its market power to steer customers toward Azure."
"The Proposed Class has approximately 59,000 members across a broad range of industries and sectors. According to Stasi's team, the average member has suffered a loss of in the tens of thousands of pounds. The case was filed in December 2024. In October, a Microsoft spokesperson told The Register: "This is an opportunistic attempt by a law firm and its private funders to piggy-back on baseless complaints Google has made and which we've all addressed or rebutted." Google has long complained about Microsoft's licensing practices."
"The Proposed Class Representative (PCR) - Stasi - says that the costs to take the case to trial are estimated at £18.4 million and "the benefits of continuing the collective proceedings strongly outweigh the costs." There is also a Litigation Funding Agreement with Litigation Capital Management (LCM) to indemnify the PCR against any adverse costs payable to Microsoft."
Dr Maria Luisa Stasi alleges Microsoft overcharged UK businesses for running Windows Server on rival cloud platforms, steering customers toward Azure. The Proposed Class includes approximately 59,000 members across many industries, with average losses in the tens of thousands of pounds. The claim, filed in December 2024, seeks a Collective Proceedings Order from the Competition Appeal Tribunal to proceed to trial, where compensation could exceed £2 billion if abuse of market power is found. Estimated trial costs are £18.4 million, and Litigation Capital Management provides funding and indemnity against adverse costs. Microsoft contests the allegations and denies wrongdoing.
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