Court Gives Final OK to Microsoft Settlement

Microsoft Corp. won final approval of a $1.1-billion antitrust settlement that resolves claims that California consumers overpaid for software because of Microsoft’s Windows monopoly.

Superior Court Judge Paul H. Alvarado concluded that the amount “constitutes fair, reasonable and adequate compensation to the class,” according to a statement from Townsend and Townsend and Crew, the law firm that represented consumers.

Microsoft has agreed to pay $1.69 billion to settle consumer antitrust suits in 13 states that sprung up after a U.S. appeals court in 2001 ruled against Microsoft in an antitrust case. California purchasers of Microsoft products will receive vouchers that can be used to buy any personal hardware or software.