MacDork's Journal: Sony rootkit settlement website is now open

As of Wednesday Feb. 15, Sony's rootkit settlement website has gone live. The site has instructions for settlement filings by class members of the class action lawsuit taking place in New York state. The settlement [PDF] grants those who purchased one of the affected CDs a rootkit-free replacement CD and either a) $7.50 USD cash payment and a free DRM'ed CD download or b) three DRM'ed CD downloads. Customers who purchased MediaMax CD's will be entitled to one additional DRM'ed CD download.

If you are a member of the class and you feel that pocket change and a few crippled sound files are not adequate restitution for Sony's actions, the settlement website also has information on how to a) file an objection to the terms of the settlement and b) file for exclusion from the settlement so that you may pursue Sony in court yourself. The options are mutually exclusive, and your right to exercise either option expires on May 1, 2006. Doing nothing will not only get you nothing, but it also precludes you from bringing your own suit against Sony in the future. Sony has reserved the right to abandon the settlement if more than 1000 class members file for exclusion from the settlement.