Microsoft Cal Settlement

What a saga began a couple of years ago when Microsoft finally reached a settlement agreement in class action suits brought by 27 California customers claiming the software giant violated the state’s antitrust and unfiar competition laws and overcharged consumers. As a result, people and businesses that bought certainMicrosoft software licenses between 1995 and 2001 might be eligible for up to $1.1 billion in vouchers which were to be used for software purchases made after July 18, 2003.

I have yet to receive any voucher, and I’ve delayed too long upgrading my software.

Deadlines kept being extended. The most recent information on the settlement website indicates

Settlement Information Last Updated on January 22, 2005:
The deadline for filing a claim was January 8, 2005. Claim forms are currently being processed. Vouchers will be mailed to class members shortly after any appeals have been resolved. Several appeals have been filed. We cannot estimate how long it will take to resolve the appeals.

If you have questions, you may contact the Settlement Claims Administrator at 1-800-960-5660.

Big Sigh!