Microsoft Settlement

In 2004, Microsoft® settled antitrust class action lawsuits with businesses and consumers in the states listed below. It was alleged that... "Microsoft unlawfully used anticompetitive means to maintain a monopoly in markets for certain software, and that as a result, it overcharged consumers*..." for its operating system and/or its application software. Microsoft agreed to provide vouchers for these businesses and consumers for use in purchasing certain hardware and software. However, the majority the vouchers went unclaimed leaving the states with millions of dollars in unused funds. As part of the settlement, each state is allowed to give a portion of the unclaimed funds to certain schools to purchase eligible hardware and software that supports the schools' technology plans. These unclaimed funds will be distributed, usually in conjunction with each state's department of education, in the form of two types of vouchers: General Purpose and Category Specific Software Vouchers.

* From Microsoft's Class Action Settlement Information Website