InformationWeek > Legal > Microsoft Settles Class-Action Suits With Five More States And D.C. > October 28, 2003 -  Microsoft said Tuesday that it has reached settlements worth $200 million with five more states and the District of Columbia in its ongoing legal efforts to resolve class-action lawsuits.

Not too bad for MSFT, considering they've got over $40 billion in the bank and the payout is in vouchers to consumers.  The thing about coupons is that the redemption rate is really low, in the single digits, but people remember the ad.  That's why manufacturers like them.  So MSFT advertises the availability of the vouchers, some people get them, fewer redeem them, plenty of folks are thinking MSFT when they go to buy software/hardware.  Oh, very punishing.  But don't forget that at the end of the program, up to half of the unclaimed vouchers will be given to schools, so they can run out and buy MSFT stuff.  Man, I wish I could get off that easy next time I get pulled over for doing 75 in a 65 zone. 

Think about it, MSFT is shelling out up to $200 million in what amounts to a state sponsored marketing cmapaign.  How about this, get MSFT to fork over $1 billion, still small change for them, and distribute it to the states to actually use for education or parks, or something.

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