Consumers who purchased computers, printers, video game consoles, or other electronic devices with DRAM memory may benefit from settlement
Chicago—(ENEWSPF)—March 4, 2014. Illinois consumers can now recover money they may have overpaid on purchases of computers, printers, game consoles and other consumer electronic products that contained DRAM, or dynamic random access memory, as part of a $310 million dollar settlement with manufacturers.
The settlement provides an opportunity for restitution for consumers and businesses that purchased DRAM or devices containing DRAM, from 1998 to 2002 from someone other than a DRAM manufacturer, including retailers such as Best Buy or Staples. DRAM is a common form of memory chip found in computers and other high technology devices, including printers, gaming machines and MP3 players.
Following an investigation, Illinois and other states filed antitrust lawsuits in federal court alleging that consumers overpaid for electronic devices containing DRAM for their purchases made from 1998 to 2002. The lawsuits alleged that the manufacturers of DRAM conspired with each other to artificially raise the price of DRAM during this five-year period.
In addition to monetary relief, the settlement also requires DRAM manufacturers to implement antitrust compliance programs and prohibits them from certain conduct related to the sale of DRAM that would violate the antitrust laws.
To obtain money from the settlement, eligible consumers should submit a claim form by August 1 with the settlement’s administrator. The amount of money received depends on the type and quantity of electronic devices a claimant has purchased, and the total number of claims made. To file a claim, visit www.DRAMclaims.com or call 1-800-589-1425.
Consumers who purchased the following items between 1998 and 2002 are eligible to make a claim: Desktop and laptop computers, computer servers, computer graphics cards, printers, video game consoles, MP3 players, PDAs, DVD players, digital video recorders, and other technology devices that contained DRAM memory.
Payments from the settlement will be made after the court has granted final approval of the settlements, including the resolution of any appeals. For more information about the settlements, visit www.DRAMclaims.com or call 1-800-589-1425.
Source: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
