One of the long-running lawsuits against Microsoft today hit a major new development.
Microsoft was under fire for its Vista Capable marketing program. Machines sold with Windows XP but featured a “Windows Vista Capable” sticker were supposed to signify to the consumer that such machines would be able to run Windows Vista – and Windows Vista it does run, but not all machines with the sticker could run the newer OS with all the visual features.
Specifically, those who bought modest Windows XP machines were displeased that their machines were not able to run Vista with the new Aero Glass interface. And so, the class action lawsuit was born. But today, a judge removed the class action status from the lawsuit.
The removal of the class action status is a major blow to the lawsuit, as now the plaintiffs who would like to continue to pursue their complaint against Microsoft must do it on an individual basis.
Microsoft spokesman David Bowermaster said in a statement: "We're pleased that the court granted our motion to decertify the class, leaving only the claims of six individuals. We look forward to presenting our case to the jury, should the plaintiffs elect to pursue their individual claims."
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