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Microsoft Faces Swiss Probe Over Software Fees
15 Jan
Summary
- Switzerland investigates Microsoft's licensing fees for Microsoft 365.
- Regulator examines recent price hikes for potential competition restriction.
- Microsoft pledges cooperation with the Swiss Competition Commission probe.
Switzerland's competition commission, known as Comco, has initiated a preliminary investigation into Microsoft Corp. concerning the licensing fees it charges clients within the country. This action stems from complaints received by the commission following recent substantial price increases for Microsoft 365.
The regulator is scrutinizing these "significant" price hikes, which affect businesses and government agencies, to ascertain whether they constitute an "unlawful restriction of competition" under Switzerland's Cartel Act. If the preliminary findings suggest a restriction, a formal investigation will commence.
A Microsoft spokesperson affirmed the company's commitment to adhering to Swiss competition law and pledged full cooperation with the Swiss Competition Commission. This investigation in Switzerland is occurring shortly after Brazil's regulator began its own inquiry into Microsoft's software and cloud computing services in early January.
