Microsoft to Pay Californians $1.1B in Antitrust Settlement

Microsoft, the world’s leading producer of software, will in August begin paying Californian businesses and consumers $1.1 billion in postponed compensation as part of a 2004 antitrust settlement, Reuters reports via USA Today.

The news comes from attorneys in the case who spoke with Reuters.

The Californians charged Microsoft with throwing its weight around in the software space and attempting to stifle competition.

Corporations and individuals who filed claims are to be given vouchers that can be exchanged for cash over the upcoming four years, Richard Grossman, a member of the law firm that represented the plaintiffs in the case, told Reuters.

The settlement was approved in 2004 by a California court, but it was delayed by one plaintiff’s complaint over that the fact that unclaimed cash would be directed to California public schools, Reuters reports.

Attorneys from the case told Reuters that the man lost his appeals and missed the deadline to continue his argument, so the payouts will be now be made.

The majority of consumer claims are for less than $100, and most of the business claims are for between $10,000 and $1 million, Grossman told Reuters.

The Redmond, Wash.-based software giant has settled similar suits in 16 states and the District of Columbia, Reuters reports.

The California settlement pertains to any person “who bought certain Microsoft software between February 18, 1995 and December 15, 2001,” according to Reuters.

Related Links:

• Microsoft Commits to New Competition Principles

• Microsoft Hit With $357M E.U. Fine

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