Settlement Information Last Updated on October 4, 2006:
Claims have been processed and are continuing to be verified. Vouchers have been mailed. Redeemed vouchers are being processed and payments are being mailed on a monthly basis. If you have questions regarding the redemption of vouchers or the issuance of checks, please see Frequently Asked Questions. If you have questions that are not addressed on this web site, you may call 1-800-928-1638 and speak to an operator.
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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 from and including May 18, 1994, and through March 17, 2003 for use
in Minnesota. Under the terms of the settlement, Microsoft will provide
vouchers totaling up to $174.5 million to eligible Minnesota users of its
Windows,Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT Workstation, 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: $15 for each Microsoft Windows or MS-DOS copy, license, or version
acquired; $23 for each Microsoft Office copy, license, or version
acquired; $9 for each Microsoft Word copy, license, or version acquired,
Home Essentials or Works Suite copy, license, or version acquired; and $23
for each Microsoft Excel copy, license, or version acquired.
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 1, 2004 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 (either with your claim form or
your voucher) a check will be sent to you for the amount of your purchase. The
Settlement Claims Administrator will keep track of any remaining value on the
voucher for your use in making future purchases. The claim form instructions
and 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 your voucher is $650 or less:
On the back of the voucher there is a section to be completed to transfer the
voucher. Sign your name on the top line. Fill in the name and address of the
person or entity to whom you are transferring the voucher on the lines below
your signature. Deliver the voucher to the person or entity. 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 1-800-928-1638.
If the total value your voucher is $651 or greater:
For information on how to transfer part of your voucher, please contact the
Claims Administrator toll free at 1-800-928-1638.
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 February 23, 2009, but you must mail
your voucher and receipts to the address shown on the voucher so that they are
postmarked on or before February 23, 2009.
Q: Where can I get more detailed information about the
settlement? (Top)
A: This web site includes links to documents that contain detailed information
about the settlement, including those titled "Summary Notice," "Detailed
Notice" and "Settlement Agreement." Or, if you have other questions that are
not addressed on this web site, you can call 1-800-928-1638 and speak to an
operator.
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. The Claims Administrator is currently verifying information for all vouchers returned to date. Payments will be mailed on a monthly basis beginning December 2005.
 Summary
Notice
Detailed
Notice Settlement
Agreement
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