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$310 DRAM Settlement Announced – Consumers Urged to Make Claim

ATTORNEY GENERAL SEAN D. REYES ANNOUNCES INITIAL APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENTS WORTH $310 MILLION TO BENEFIT PURCHASERS OF DRAM MEMORY CHIPS AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THOSE CHIPS

Consumers who purchased computers, printers, video game consoles, or other electronic devices with DRAM memory could get money from settlements

March 4, 2014– Attorney General Sean D. Reyes announced today that consumers can now file claims to recover money due to court preliminary approval of multi-state settlements worth $310 million with all the major manufacturers of Dynamic Random Access Memory computer chips (“DRAM”) for conspiring to fix their prices. Consumers who can submit claims include those who paid more for DRAM or for the many electronic devices that contain DRAM.

“Congratulations to Assistant Attorneys General Ronald Ockey and Jim Palmer who worked diligently for several years to achieve this result.  The Utah AG’s office is dedicated to protecting consumers and companies from unlawful business practices,” said AG Reyes.  “It is rare to see a settlement that impacts so many people in Utah.  If you purchased items from the large list of manufacturers from 1998-2002, we urge you to file a claim.”

After completing an investigation in 2006, Utah, with other states, filed antitrust lawsuits in federal court alleging that Utah’s consumers over-paid for electronic devices containing DRAM for their purchases made from 1998 to 2002.  DRAM is a common form of memory chip found in computers and other high technology devices.

The settlements, reached in conjunction with class actions, pay individuals [and businesses] that purchased DRAM or devices containing DRAM in the United States during 1998 to 2002 from someone other than a DRAM manufacturer, such as retailers like Best Buy or Staples.  The settlements also require the DRAM manufacturers to implement antitrust compliance programs and enjoin them from certain conduct related to the sale of DRAM that would violate the antitrust laws.

To receive money from the settlement, eligible consumers need to submit a claim form by August 1, 2014 with the settlements’ 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.  Individuals who purchased DRAM or products containing DRAM are expected to get a minimum $10 payment and may end up receiving up to the amount of the overpayment they actually made due to the alleged price fixing.  To file a claim, visit www.DRAMclaims.com or call 1-800-589-1425.

Any consumer who purchased one or more of the following between 1998 and 2002 is eligible to make a claim:

  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Computer servers
  • Computer graphics cards
  • Printers
  • Video game consoles
  • MP3 players
  • PDAs
  • DVD players
  • Digital video recorders.

If you purchased other technology devices also containing DRAM memory, you also may be eligible to make a claim.

Any payments resulting from the settlement cannot be made until the court has granted final approval to the settlements, and the resolution of any appeals.  It is anticipated that payments will occur within a few years.  Also, if too many or few claims are received, the court may order that the settlement funds be provided to public or non-profit organizations in addition to or instead of consumers who file claims.

Utah also pursued monetary relief for DRAM purchases by Utah State agencies and Utah political subdivisions during 1998 to 2002.  These government entities should anticipate receiving funds from a separate portion of these settlements with details to be announced after final approval of the settlements.

For more information about the settlements, visit www.DRAMclaims.com or call 1-800-589-1425.