Settlement Information Last Updated on December 28, 2007:
The deadline for filing a claim was January 8, 2005. The processing of claim
forms is nearly completed.
Reports that itemize Microsoft’s records of the relevant products purchased by
claimants who participated in Microsoft’s volume license programs (known as
Enterprise, Select or Open) are also being completed and mailed on a rolling
basis. If you receive a report of volume license purchases, you will have 90
days to make any additions and/or corrections to your report and return it to
the Claims Administrator for final processing.
Settlement benefits began mailing during 2006. Benefits for some volume
claimants are being reviewed by the settlement parties and will be mailed on a
rolling basis.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Settlement Claims Administrator
at 1-800-960-5660.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is this settlement about? (Top)
A: A settlement has been reached in an antitrust and unfair competition class
action lawsuit about certain Microsoft software acquired by consumers and
businesses between February 18, 1995 and December 15, 2001 for use in
California. Under the terms of the settlement, Microsoft will provide vouchers
totaling up to $1.1 billion to eligible California users of its Windows,
MS-DOS, Office, Excel, Word, Works Suite or Home Essentials 97 or 98 products
to be redeemed for cash after they purchase qualifying computer hardware or
software.
Q: What benefits are available under the settlement?
(Top)
A: You will receive vouchers redeemable for cash after the purchase of a wide
variety of software and computer hardware products. The vouchers are worth: $16
for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS license claimed; $29 for each Microsoft
Office license claimed; $5 for each Microsoft Word, Home Essentials or Works
Suite license claimed; and $26 for each Microsoft Excel license claimed.
Q: What can the vouchers be used for?
(Top)
A: You can exchange your vouchers for cash by submitting proof of purchases you
made after July 18, 2003 of the following computer products: Any desktop,
laptop, or tablet computer made by any manufacturer for any operating system
platform, or any of the following devices: printers, scanners, monitors,
keyboards, or pointing devices (e.g. mouse, trackball). Qualifying software
includes any non-custom software offered by any software vendor for use on a
desktop, laptop or tablet computer. The qualifying computer hardware or
software does not have to be a Microsoft product. After you submit proof of
purchase to the Settlement Claims Administrator with your voucher, a check will
be sent to you for the amount of your purchase. The Claims Administrator will
keep track of any remaining value on the voucher for your use in making future
purchases. The voucher will explain the redemption procedure in more detail.
Q: How can I transfer my voucher? (Top)
A: Under the terms of the settlement, you may transfer, give or sell up to $650
of your voucher value to another person or entity, such as your favorite school
or charity.
If the total value of your voucher is $650 or less:
On the back of the voucher there is a section to be completed to transfer the
voucher. Follow the instructions you will find there. If you wish to transfer
to more than one person or entity or to transfer only a part of this voucher,
please contact the Claims Administrator toll free at 1-800-960-5660.
If the total value of your voucher is $651 or greater:
For information on how to transfer part of your voucher, please contact the
Claims Administrator toll free at 1-800-960-5660.
Q: When is the last day I can purchase a product to redeem my
voucher? (Top)
A: You may purchase a product as late as September 16, 2010, but you must mail
your voucher and receipts to the address shown on the voucher so that they are
postmarked before September 16, 2010.
Q: How long does it take to get a payment after I send in the
voucher and receipt? (Top)
A: Typically a payment will be processed within 60 days after the Claims
Administrator receives the voucher and all necessary documentation and
determines that the claim is in good order. Payments will be mailed on a
monthly basis beginning August 2006.
 Summary
Notice Detailed
Notice
Settlement
Agreement
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