Washington, Oct 29: Microsoft Corp., the world's largest software maker, on Tuesday said it agreed to pay $200 million to settle class-action lawsuits filed in several U.S. states. Under the settlements, eligible buyers of Microsoft's products will get vouchers that can be used to buy computer hardware or software. Half of any unclaimed vouchers will be used to buy computer equipment or software for schools.

Agreements were reached in Kansas, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee. The class actions claimed Microsoft used its monopoly to overcharge customers for its software products. Tuesday's announcement, brings the total number of consumer class action settlements over the past year to 10, Microsoft senior vice president and general counsel Brad Smith told reporters on a teleconference. Bureau Report