Microsoft to Face UK Class Action Over Cloud Computing Licencing

Microsoft Corp. must face a UK class action trial over allegations it abused its dominant position in the market to overcharge businesses that used the Windows Server operating system and Azure, an antitrust tribunal has ruled.

Judges at London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal said the lawsuit on behalf of around 59,000 businesses and organizations had “reasonable prospects of success.” If successful, the lawsuit could see a payout of more than £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion), the claimants have estimated.

Microsoft will appeal the decision and also dispute the underlying allegations, the company’s spokesperson said on Wednesday. “Today’s decision makes no final determination ...