UK software reseller sues Microsoft for anti-competitive behaviour

UK software company ValueLicensing has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft with the English High Court accusing it of harming competition in the used software market, reports the Financial Times. It is seeking GBP 270 million in damages.

ValueLicensing buys pre-owned Microsoft software licences from businesses that become insolvent or upgrade IT systems, reselling them in the UK and Europe. Founder Johnathan Horley accuses Microsoft of harming the market for second-hand versions of its software by encouraging businesses to give up their perpetual licences, often in return for discounts on Microsoft cloud software such as Office 365.