Search syndication and online advertising sectors: the Autorité rejects the complaint on the merits filed by Qwant against Microsoft and the request for interim measures

Qwant S.A.S. (“Qwant”), which operates in the general online search services sector, asked the Autorité de la concurrence for interim measures against Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”), which is also active in the same sector and, in particular, in search-related online advertising services.

Qwant accused Microsoft of abusing both its dominant position and the situation of economic dependence in which Qwant was kept by Microsoft.

According to Qwant, Microsoft had engaged in exclusivity and tied selling practices, thereby restricting the ability of Qwant to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model and discriminating against Qwant in access to search-related online advertising.

The Autorité considers that Qwant failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Microsoft is in a dominant position in the market described in its complaint or that the conditions for abuse of economic dependence are met.

The Autorité therefore rejects the complaint on the merits and, consequently, the request for interim measures.