The National Center for Public Policy Research is warning Microsoft that they could potentially be looking at a lawsuit if they decide to not invest in Bitcoin and the prices of Bitcoin increase.

This December will be a crucial time for Microsoft, as shareholders come together to vote on a proposal for the company to put a small portion of its assets in Bitcoin. This proposal is being pushed by the National Center for Public Policy Research, an independent research organisation focused on free enterprises.

Ethan Peck, deputy director of NCPPR’s free enterprise project reminds Microsoft that it has a fiduciary obligation to its shareholders.” He adds that the company could be put in a tight spot if it ultimately decides not to invest in the cryptocurrency.

"So should Microsoft publicly and explicitly determine in this assessment that it's not the best interest of Microsoft shareholders to purchase any Bitcoin, and then Bitcoin proceeds to increase in value, then there may be grounds for shareholders to sue the company."

Microsoft responded swiftly, recommending that shareholders vote against the proposal. In a statement, the board explained that the company already evaluates “a wide range of investable assets,” including Bitcoin. However, the NCPPR argues this stance doesn’t go far enough, especially as other companies, such as MicroStrategy, have adopted Bitcoin strategies and seen their stock performance outpace Microsoft’s, despite much lower revenue.

A Debate on Bitcoin’s Place in Corporate Strategy

The NCPPR’s proposal is part of a larger conversation on how cryptocurrencies fit into corporate strategy. “Even if the proposal fails, it will have succeeded in opening an important dialogue between Microsoft and its shareholders,” said Peck. By introducing this debate, the NCPPR aims to raise awareness and possibly set the stage for a favorable vote in the future. The fact that the debate is now on the table could thus give visibility to proponents of Bitcoin investment, both at Microsoft and in other tech companies.

This shareholder pressure could signal the start of a broader trend, pushing public companies to take cryptocurrencies more seriously. With Bitcoin ETFs now entering the market, the demand for corporate crypto investment may strengthen further. Should Microsoft continue to ignore these calls and Bitcoin’s value surge, it could create friction with shareholders and amplify the influence of pro-Bitcoin companies in the public eye.