FORTUNE — You’ve been meaning to use that Borders gift card Aunt Elma gave you but haven’t gotten around to it. Now that the bookstore chain is liquidating, are you up a creek? Maybe not. In 2008 law firm Krislov & Associates filed a claim against the Sharper Image on behalf of gift-card holders after the chain filed for bankruptcy. The result? A settlement, to be allocated later this year, that Krislov believes could bring a full refund for everyone who can produce an unused card by Sept. 1. Borders didn’t return calls, but its website says cards will be honored as long as stores are open. Your best advice: Scurry to a bookstore — or wait for the lawyers. —Josh Dawsey
This article is from the September 5, 2011 issue of Fortune.