SAN FRANCISCO--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Nov 12, 2003--College students in California can buy computer hardware and software with money Microsoft must pay under the settlement of the largest antitrust class-action case in the state`s history. Eligible students could each receive hundreds of dollars of vouchers toward the purchase of everything from scanners and printers to the latest software and even the hottest electronic games.
More than 14 million businesses and consumers in California can collect from this $1.1 billion settlement. Participants can collect vouchers to purchase new computer hardware -- desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners, monitors, keyboards -- and software from any manufacturer, not just Microsoft.
Claims forms are immediately available online at www.microsoftcalsettlement.com. Or, participants can call 1-800-203-9995 to request a form. Participants have until March 15, 2004 to file a claim.
''We encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity,'' said San Francisco lawyer Richard Grossman, whose firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew brought the class action case against Microsoft. ''The money is available, you`re entitled to it, go get it.''
Any individual or business that purchased eligible Microsoft applications software, operating systems or computers with pre-installed Microsoft programs between Feb. 18, 1995 and Dec. 15, 2001 for use in California may file a claim. Operating systems include MS-DOS or Windows. The eligible applications software includes Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Works Suite and Home Essentials 97 or 98. Upgrades should also be considered when filing a claim. For any computer running Windows or MS-DOS, the claimant is entitled to $16; for each copy of Office software, $29; Excel, $26; Word, Home Essentials or Works Suite, $5.
To qualify, students do not need to be a resident of California; they need merely to have purchased products for use in the state sometime during those seven years.
No receipts, serial numbers or other documents are required to make claims for up to five product purchases and up to $100. The only requirement is to list the products purchased on the claim form.
In July, Microsoft settled class-action lawsuits brought on behalf of businesses and consumers in California. The lawsuits accused the software company of using its unlawful monopoly to overcharge for both its operating systems and key applications software.
|
