Judge tosses California suit against Microsoft
A Baltimore federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Microsoft in which California cities and counties accused the software maker of overcharging for Windows and other programs.
U.S. District Court Judge J. Frederick Motz ruled that the government agencies could sue under only one of two laws that they sought to invoke, and further that the statute of limitations had expired on many of the claims covered in the suit. Motz dismissed the suit, but said the cities could file an amended claim for some recent purchases.
"Microsoft has filed a motion to dismiss, contending that all plaintiffs' claims are barred by limitations and that the claims asserted under (California's Unfair Competition Law) are barred because plaintiffs, as municipal corporations, lack standing to sue. Microsoft's motion will be granted in all respects," Motz wrote in his ruling.