PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
The Italian consumer advocate group, the ADUC, announced that it has filed a class action against Microsoft seeking reimbursement for unwanted Windows software installations.
A statement from the ADUC points out that PCs with Windows preinstalled feature an OEM licence which must be agreed to in order to proceed. If the user doesn’t agree, they can seek a refund for the software by contacting the manufacturer but the ADUC said there were "many obstacles" to obtain such a refund.
The consumer watchdog did not absolve PC manufacturers of blame but said that main responsibility was with Microsoft and that the software giant abuses a dominent market position to promote their products in an unlawful manner.
The ADUC also drew attention to the successful class action against HP in 2007 for not offering options for Italian consumers not predisposed to using Windows XP, suggesting that the group’s chances of success were good in the coming action against Microsoft.
