Microsoft has about $49-billion in cash in the bank. Here's your chance to apply for as much as $12 of it.
Floridians who want rebates as part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the software giant have until Dec. 24 to apply.
The rebates, ranging from $5 to $12 each, can go toward future technology purchases, either from Microsoft or others. It covers Microsoft software, including Windows and Office, bought between Nov. 16, 1996, and Dec. 31, 2002. People can apply for a rebate for each product purchased.
Microsoft agreed to pay $202-million to settle the suit, which accused it of using its monopoly to inflate prices. It was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. The Florida lawsuit and others like it were filed after the U.S. Justice Department sued the company for antitrust violations. The federal antitrust case has been settled.
A final hearing on the state settlement is scheduled for Nov. 24 in Miami before Judge Henry H. Harnage, who gave preliminary approval to the deal in April.
Among the beneficiaries will be needy Florida schools, which will get half of the unclaimed voucher money.
