Microsoft Settles Class-Action Lawsuit for $1.1 Billion

Microsoft Corp. said that it settled the largest consumer antitrust lawsuit against it by agreeing to give as many as 13 million California residents and businesses who purchased Microsoft software a total of $1.1 billion in vouchers that could be used to buy any computer hardware or software. The class-action case, which had been scheduled for trial in San Francisco next month, was the most serious threat to the company among similar lawsuits that are pending in 17 states and the District of Columbia.