The European Commission is reportedly examining Oracle's software licensing practices as a potential precursor to a formal investigation, following a similar probe into SAP that resulted in binding commitments from the German company. Oracle's licensing practices have long drawn criticism, particularly its 2023 Java SE subscription model — which charges based on total employee count rather than actual usage — and its Unlimited License Agreements, which some advisors say lock customers in and limit competition. While the EC confirmed there is currently no formal investigation into any company, it stated it would continue monitoring for anti-competitive conduct in the enterprise software sector.
