Judge waves through MS $1.1bn California settlement
Print storyFair, reasonable and adequate compensation
Posted in Applications, 8th July 2004 13:01 GMT
Join our expert panel in discussing application security
Microsoft has secured court approval for the $1.1bn settlement of the California class action, alleging overcharging and abuse of state anti-trust laws. California Superior Court Judge Paul Alvarado said the offer was “fair, reasonable and adequate compensation”.
So far, 600,000 Californians have lined up to claim their Microsoft vouchers, redeemable for cash after buying computer kit or software from any manufacturer. But up to 14m are eligible. Did you buy Microsoft software in California between Feb 18, 1995 and December 2001? Then form an orderly line for a claim form.
The vouchers are for buyers of desktop apps and operating systems - buyers of server software and Apple software are not eligible. Two thirds of the value of unclaimed vouchers will be doled out to California schools in poor areas. And the class action lawyers? They get fees and expenses of up to $275m.
As ever Microsoft denies any wrongdoing. But it has put behind it another class action and the biggest to boot. In recent weeks, the firm has settled class suits with 12 states. ®
Related stories
Microsoft squares Minnesota class action
US court waves through Microsoft DoJ settlement
Microsoft makes peace with Massachusetts
MS to request stay of EC ruling
Airport insecurity: the case of lost laptops
Can Outsiders Enhance Exchange?
The business case for application security
Exchange 2007 risks and mitigation strategies
The best practices guide for application security
Google code cloud punts on-demand embarrassment
Microsoft weighs next-phase in open-source support
iTunes minus the player: hack your Apple beats
Oracle plans cloud strategy