European Union: European Commission opened investigation into SAP over alleged anticompetitive practices in enterprise resource planning software maintenance and support

On 25 September 2025, the European Commission opened an investigation into SAP over alleged anticompetitive practices in maintenance and support services for SAP’s on-premises Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software in the European Economic Area. The Commission’s preliminary assessment flagged four practices, including requiring customers to use SAP for all maintenance at uniform prices, blocking termination for unused licences, extending initial licence terms, and charging reinstatement fees. It was highlighted that such practices may restrict competition and exploit customers under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on abuse of dominant position.