By Stanley Murphy-Johns, PA
Publication Date: 2026-04-22 18:54:00
Microsoft will face a £1.7 billion collective action court case over “abusing its dominant position” in cloud computing, a tribunal has ruled.
More than 59,000 UK businesses and organisations are collectively seeking compensation from the global computing giant after being allegedly overcharged for using a Windows Server on rival cloud services.
On April 21, The Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled that the claim can proceed towards trial.
The tribunal also granted a Collective Proceedings Order (CPO) on an opt-out basis, which allows the businesses to sue collectively, rather than as individuals.
In their judgment, the tribunal chaired by Mr Justice Adam Johnson noted that “the claim comfortably crosses the hurdle of having a real prospect of success”.
Maria Luisa Stasi, a leading digital markets regulation expert and lawyer, is bringing the case on behalf of those businesses, who would then be able to claim compensation if they are successful.
She said:…
