Microsoft Settles Suit with Wisconsin

A Wisconsin state court said Friday that it had begun to alert Wisconsin consumers and businesses that are eligible for compensation through a proposed settlement in a class action suit against Microsoft. Those eligible purchased software between December 7, 1993 and April 30, 2003.

The Redmond company is accused of violating state laws by overcharging for its operating system, word processing, and spreadsheet software. The settlement is quite similar to one reached with the state of California in July 2003, which began disbursing vouchers in July.

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft may be liable to pay as much as $223.9 million to Wisconsin residents. As with California, the payments would be provided in the form of vouchers, which can be used to purchase computer equipment from any manufacturer.

A hearing has been scheduled for March 30 of next year in order to decide whether or not to approve the settlement. The deadline for any objections has been set for February 13, and claims must be filed by June 30 or thirty days following approval, whichever its later, the court said.

Both current and former Wisconsin residents can call a toll-free number, 1-800-598-3050, or visit microsoftwisuit.com to obtain claim forms and learn more about the settlement.