$310M DRAM Settlement for Electronics: Claims Due Aug. 1
If you bought a computer, video game console, or other electronic device between 1998 and 2002, chances are you're eligible to get at least $10 -- and maybe more -- just by filling out a form.
As part of a price-fixing lawsuit settlement, manufacturers of DRAM -- aka Dynamic Random Access Memory, a type of memory used in most computers -- have agreed to provide rebates to consumers who purchased products containing DRAM during the years in question, with no documentation required on your part.
Fill out the form; acquire currency. Can it really be that simple?
Claims Process
According to the website set up to process claims and provide information about the $310 million settlement, joining the settlement is really pretty simple. Here's a video made by the claims administrator:
The class of those eligible to file claims includes people or businesses that meet the following criteria:
- You purchased DRAM or a device containing DRAM between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2002.
- Your purchase occurred in the United States (including U.S. territories), or was made from a seller in the United States.
- You did not purchase directly from the DRAM manufacturer.
If you meet the above criteria, fill out the online claim form and you will be included in the settlement when it is approved. You do not need to provide any documentation of your purchases.
You do, however, need to file a claim before the deadline: August 1, 2014.
DRAM Price Fixing Suit
The DRAM settlement stems from a class action lawsuit filed against makers of Direct Random Access Memory, including Hitachi, Infineon, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Samsung. The suit accused the companies of fixing DRAM prices and overcharging customers who bought both DRAM and the many devices that use it.
The companies deny that they fixed prices and in agreeing to the settlement, did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Although the exact amount of money distributed to each class member will not be determined until after the claim deadline passes and the number of claimants is tallied, under the terms of the settlement, each claimant will receive a minimum of $10.
Related Resources:
- AG: Electronics Settlement Could Net You $10 Or More (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
- When to Opt-Out of Class Action and Go to Small Claims (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Fosamax Settlement Proposed: $27.7M for 1,200 Plaintiffs (FindLaw's Injured)
- Live Nation Settlement Could Mean Free Tickets, Discounts (FindLaw's Decided)