United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority opened investigation into Adobe over suspected infringements of consumer protection law

On 19 March 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened an investigation into Adobe following concerns that early cancellation fees on membership plans for certain products may breach consumer protection law. The investigation examines whether the fee terms are unfair and whether customers receive clear and timely information about the fees prior to purchase. Under Adobe's annual billed monthly plan, customers who cancel more than 14 days after signing up must pay 50% of the remaining yearly cost. The CMA has reached no conclusions at this stage as to whether Adobe has breached consumer protection law. The investigation is the ninth case opened under the CMA's direct consumer enforcement powers, which allow the CMA to determine breaches of consumer law without going through the courts and to impose fines of up to 10% of a company's global turnover.