04:05 AM EST, 12/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with response from Microsoft ( MSFT ) in the last paragraph.)

Microsoft ( MSFT ) is facing a lawsuit for up to 1 billion UK pounds ($1.27 billion) over allegations thousands of UK businesses may be paying gratuitous licensing fees.

The class action lawsuit, filed Tuesday at the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal, alleges Microsoft ( MSFT ) is overcharging thousands of businesses and organizations that use rivals Google (GOOGL, GOOG), Amazon (AMZN), or Alibaba (BABA) for cloud computing for Windows Server.

Maria Luisa Stasi, representing the UK businesses and organizations which have been allegedly overcharged by Microsoft ( MSFT ), accused Microsoft ( MSFT ) of "trying to force customers into using its cloud computing service Azure and restricting competition in the sector," according to the international dispute firm Scott+Scott, which filed the lawsuit.

Microsoft ( MSFT ) declined MT Newswires' request for comment.