Microsoft slapped with class-action suits

Three lawyers have filed class-action suits against Microsoft, seeking unspecified damages on behalf of consumers who say Microsoft used its monopoly in operating systems to gouge buyers of Windows 95 and 98.

A federal judge laid the framework for the class-action suits on Nov. 5, by issuing findings of fact that upheld the argument made by the U.S. Justice Department and 19 states that Microsoft is a monopoly that used illegal tactics to protect its Windows franchise.

The class-action filings - all from California - could set off a spate of similar suits in other states.

Microsoft said such class-action suits are "misguided."

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