Kaspersky Lab sues Microsoft over unfair competition with its Windows Defender

Russia’s leading antivirus software vendor, Kaspersky has filed a lawsuit with the Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) against Microsoft. In the lawsuit, Kaspersky accuses Microsoft of forcing users to use its Windows Defender antivirus in a manner that violated the Competition Protection Law.

“Microsoft is the developer of Windows Defender antivirus software, which turns on automatically if a third-party software has not adapted in time to Windows 10, and this is an unjustified advantage for Microsoft,” reads a statement by FAS Deputy Director Anatoly Golomolzin.

In the lawsuit, Kaspersky Lab also has a problem with Microsoft for reducing the allowed period for adaptation for 3^rd party antivirus software from the two months to just six days. Kaspersky wants to file a lawsuit against Microsoft with the European Commission.

“Microsoft has created a situation in which competing antivirus producers, including Kaspersky Lab, are unable to completely fulfill their obligations to customers, which leaves the latter helpless, limits their choices and leads to 3^rd party producers incurring financial losses,” reads a statement by Kaspersky’s General Director, Igor Chekunov.

Microsoft claims no foul play with Windows Defender

On its part, Microsoft says it has not violated any Russian law. Further claiming it has yet to get official communication from FAS regarding the lawsuit by Kaspersky Lab over its Windows Defender.

A representative of the US, Redmond-based Company, says, “Microsoft confirms that it adheres to the principles elaborated in the antimonopoly law.”

Other Antivirus Software Producers support Kaspersky Lab lawsuit

It would appear, Kaspersky Lab is not the only antivirus software producer that has an issue with the way Windows 10 is promoting Windows Defender over other 3^rd parties antivirus. ESET too has voiced its concerns with Microsoft exploitation of its dominance to short change smaller companies trying to cut a niche in its market.

“The problem concerns the whole antivirus software market, where free competition is limited. Microsoft promotes its products by using its dominant position in the market, which can lead to users being deprived of a right to choose the best software,” said Denis Mateev, the head of ESET Russian division and CIS.