A Californian judge has thrown out a class action suit brought against Microsoft. A group of public bodies in the state were seeking compensation for being overcharged for Windows software.

The judge ruled that some of the claims were invalid because they happened too long ago and some were invalid because the plaintiffs are public bodies. In 2003 Microsoft paid $1.1bn to settle a long-running class-action case. This compensated consumers and businesses in California with vouchers which could be traded for computer products. The agreement specifically excluded government bodies.

Microsoft welcomed the news.

But the judge ruled that the plaintiffs can amend their complaints because they accuse Microsoft of anti-competitive behaviour since the original settlement. San Francisco council, one of five cities and counties taking part, told CNET it will talk to the other plaintiffs but it expects to press on with its case. ®

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