Judge to rule in December on Microsoft's $1bn class action proposal

A federal judge is expected to rule next month on whether to accept Microsoft's proposal to end its class action lawsuits.

Last week, the company acted to address claims that it had overcharged consumers for Windows, Office and other software.

It offered to donate more than £706m worth of software and computer equipment to America's poorest schools.

District Judge J Frederick Motz closed a preliminary hearing by scheduling another for December 10.

The meeting ended after 10 hours of legal argument and expert testimony before Microsoft could finish making its case.

The company's lead lawyer pledged to underline the benefits of the proposal in full at the December hearing.

"The settlement is a great settlement for the kids and the country," David Tulchin said. "It helps 7 or 8 million kids in the poorest schools get the benefit of technology they wouldn't otherwise have."

But critics argue the plan would benefit Microsoft by increasing its access in schools. Lawyers representing Californian plaintiffs argued schools wouldn't get enough money to support the donated equipment and software.

Rival Apple filed its own brief arguing the settlement would only further Microsoft's monopoly power.

The class action hearings coincide with separate settlement talks aimed at ending Microsoft's anti-trust lawsuit with the US Department of Justice. That case is still awaiting ratification by nine of the 18 state attorneys general involved in the action.