Legal Notice to California Microsoft Users

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Consumers And Businesses May Now Claim Microsoft Settlement Benefits.



Settlement to provide up to $1.1 billion in benefits.


Read the summary notice below and, if you want more information about this settlement, the claims procedure or your options, click the links below to:

- Get a Claim Form
- Read the Court's detailed notice
- Go to the Court's main Web page

A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against Microsoft on behalf of consumers and businesses that acquired Microsoft software between February 18, 1995 and December 15, 2001 for use in California. Shortly after "final" court approval of the settlement, Microsoft will distribute up to $1.1 billion in vouchers that eligible consumers and businesses can redeem for cash after buying computers, peripheral computer hardware, or computer software made by any manufacturer. Eligible Microsoft software users may now send in a Claim Form for the vouchers.

What Is This Case About?

The Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claimed that Microsoft violated California's antitrust and unfair competition laws and thereby overcharged consumers for certain of its software. Microsoft denies these claims and contends that it developed and sold high quality and innovative software at fair and reasonable prices. The Court did not decide in favor of the Plaintiffs or Microsoft. Instead, both sides agreed to a settlement.

What Can You Get From The Settlement?

You are eligible for vouchers if you acquired the Microsoft software listed below, or a computer on which the software was already installed. The vouchers are worth $16 for Microsoft "Windows" or "MS-DOS," $29 for Microsoft "Office," $26 for Microsoft "Excel," and $5 for Microsoft "Word" (including versions of "Works" or "Home Essentials" software that contain "Word"). Software for server computers and Apple computers is not eligible.

You are entitled to claim the specified amounts for each computer on which you were lawfully entitled to use the Microsoft software. Also, if you acquired multiple versions of the same product (or separately acquired upgrades), you're entitled to the specified amounts for each version or upgrade. Businesses with headquarters outside California are eligible if they acquired the Microsoft software for use at any of their locations in California. More information is in a detailed notice at the Web site below.

How Do You Get Benefits?

Simply fill out and send in a Claim Form postmarked no later than March 15, 2004 to get benefits. If you acquired up to five copies of qualifying Microsoft products and have up to $100 in total claims, you can use a Standard Claim Form to ask for benefits, and you do not have to provide any additional documents or proof about your software. If your claim is larger, you can also use a Standard Claim Form, but you will need to provide additional information about your software. If you are a volume licensee (e.g. "Open," "Select," or "Enterprise"), you need a Volume License Claim Form. All the Claim Forms are available at www.microsoftcalsettlement.com or by calling 1-800-960-5660, toll-free. Claims may be audited and penalties apply for false claims. Two-thirds of any unclaimed amount will be distributed as vouchers to certain schools that serve students from low-income households.

Selling Or Selling Or Donating Your Benefits.

You may donate up to $650 of your settlement vouchers to a school or charity of your choice, or sell them, or give them as a gift. Vouchers may be sold to anyone who does not intend to resell them. Transferred vouchers may be redeemed up to $10,000. Vouchers can be transferred only once.

What Are Your Other Options?

You may object in writing no later than December 30, 2003 to any part of the settlement or a request by the lawyers representing you in 27 coordinated cases against Microsoft for fees and expenses of up to $275 million. These fees and expenses will be paid separately by Microsoft and will not reduce the settlement benefits you get. The detailed notice explains how to send in an objection. The San Francisco Superior Court will hold a hearing in this case, called Microsoft I-V Cases, J.C.C.P. No. 4106, on February 13, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, to decide whether to give final approval to the settlement, and to consider the attorneys' request for fees. You or your lawyer may appear at the hearing, at your own cost. If the settlement is approved, Microsoft will be released from liability for all claims associated with the litigation and you won't be able to sue, or continue to sue, Microsoft for that liability. For more details, or to get a Claim Form, call 1-800-960-5660 toll-free or go to www.microsoftcalsettlement.com.