Microsoft makes OpenAI license non-exclusive, drops revenue share and faces UK Slack suit
Microsoft revised its OpenAI deal, making its technology license non-exclusive, dropping revenue share payments while still receiving cash through 2030 and keeping IP rights until 2032. Slack filed a UK High Court suit claiming Microsoft’s Teams bundling with Office limits customer choice, reigniting prior EU antitrust issues.
1. OpenAI Agreement Revised
Microsoft converted its exclusive OpenAI technology license into a non-exclusive arrangement, allowing OpenAI to partner with other cloud providers if Microsoft cannot meet performance needs. The company eliminated its revenue share obligations but will receive payments from OpenAI through 2030 and retains rights to OpenAI intellectual property until 2032, ensuring continued access to future AI innovations.
2. Slack Antitrust Lawsuit
Slack Technologies filed a lawsuit in London’s High Court on April 23, accusing Microsoft of anti-competitive tying and bundling by integrating Teams with its Office suite. The claim argues this practice restricts customer choice, echoing past EU concerns that led Microsoft to offer Office without Teams at discounted rates, and follows a separate UK class action over Windows Server pricing.