Microsoft’s ‘anti-competitive’ practices to be scrutinised by Competition Appeal Tribunal

Exton Advisors have advised the proposed class representative (PCR), Dr Maria Luisa Stasi, in a £ billion claim against software giant Microsoft.

The claim, before the Competition Appeal Tribunal, alleges that some of Microsoft’s software licensing practices relating to its “Windows Server” product and cloud computing services, are unlawful.

Exton advised the PCR in this case on securing funding from Litigation Capital Management for payment of legal fees, disbursements, and ATE premium.

John Astill, Managing Director at Exton Advisors commented, “This is another example of holding large corporates to account and ensuring fair entry to consumer markets by smaller players. Competition laws exist to protect both individuals and companies, and it is only with the benefit of third-party funding that these claims can ultimately succeed. Exton Advisors are delighted to play our part in ensuring claims like these are funded in a timely, efficient, and transparent manner.”

The claim alleges Microsoft Corporation and Microsoft Ltd abused its dominant market position in the server operating systems market.

The claim details how Microsoft’s licensing practices have leveraged that dominance to reduce competition in the cloud computing market via its “Azure” cloud platform.

The claim comes at a busy time for the class action sphere in the UK.

The PCR is represented by international law firm Scott+Scott and partner, James Hain-Cole. Following the announcement of the claim, James commented: “Litigation Funding Agreements have changed a lot since the collective action regime was implemented and it was helpful to obtain advice on market standard from Exton, who have seen a lot of LFAs and have great visibility of the funding market.”

The opt-out collective proceedings claim has been filed by Dr Maria Lusia Stasi, Head of Law and Policy for digital markets at ARTICLE 19. Dr. Stasi is also a competition lawyer by background with expertise in telecoms, digital, and media sectors.

To read more about Exton Advisors’ services and expertise for claimants, please see here.