California residents who purchased products with LCD panels (computer monitors, laptops, and PCs) from 1999 to 2006 are encouraged to file a claim related to a half billion dollar settlement with manufacturers that engaged in price-fixing.
The California Department of Justice on Friday said that consumers should check lcdclass.com, call (855) 115-1886 or write to LCD Class, P.O.Box 8025, Faribault, MN 55021, to obtain a copy of the settlement and register to receive a claim form.
In October 2010, California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris filed a lawsuit against ten companies for engaging in price fixing of LCD panels from 1999 to 2006 that resulted in higher prices for California residents and businesses, as well as government agencies.
The settlements announced in December 2011 resolve Attorney General Harris' claims against seven companies, along with those of seven other attorneys general and a national class action. As part of the settlements, the companies that engaged in price fixing will provide a fund for consumers and businesses in 25 states, including California. The settling companies have also resolved claims brought by Attorney General Harris for civil penalties under California's Unfair Competition Law, as well as restitution for government agencies that purchased the flat screen LCD panels.
Harris' office reached settlements with seven of the 10 companies sued by the state and seven other attorneys general -- from Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New York, West Virginia and Wisconsin -- in a national class-action suit, the state of California Department of Justice said.
Settling defendants include: Chimei Innolux Corp., Chi Mei Optoelectronics USA, Inc., Chi Mei Optoelectronics Japan Co., Ltd, HannStar Display Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Displays, Ltd., Hitachi Electronic Devices, USA, Inc., Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Samsung Semiconductor, Inc., Sharp Corporation, and Sharp Electronics Corporation.