Attorney General Tom Horne Announces $310 Million Antitrust Settlements

Phoenix, AZ (Tuesday, March 4, 2014) -- Attorney General Horne is today announcing multistate and class action antitrust settlements, worth $310 million, with all the major manufacturers of Dynamic Random Access Memory computer chips (“DRAM”). Anyone who purchased various electronic devices (listed out below) between 1998 and 2002 are asked to submit a claim form by August 1, 2014 in order receive potential settlement monies.

In 2006, Arizona and several other states filed antitrust lawsuits in federal court, which, along with several class action lawsuits, alleged that from 1998 through 2002, government agencies, businesses and consumers over-paid for electronic devices containing DRAM. DRAM is a common form of memory chip found in computers and other high technology devices. 

Pursuant to preliminary court approval of the settlements, consumers who, as a result of the DRAM manufacturers’ alleged price fixing conspiracy, paid more for DRAM or electronic devices that contain DRAM may be eligible to seek out restitution.     

Individuals and businesses who purchased DRAM or devices containing DRAM in the United States from 1998 to 2002 from someone other than a DRAM manufacturer, such as a retailer like Best Buy, may recover money as a result of the settlements. 

Arizona government entities, universities, and colleges that purchased DRAM or devices containing DRAM from 1998 to 2002 will receive funds from a separate portion of these settlements with details to be announced after final approval of the settlements. 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. 

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.

To receive money from the settlements, eligible consumers must submit a claim form by August 1, 2014 to the settlements’ administrator. To file a claim, visit www.DRAMclaims.com or call 1-800-589-1425. The amount of money claimants will receive 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 receive a minimum $10 payment and may end up receiving up to the amount of the overpayment made due to the alleged price fixing. 

Any payments resulting from the settlement cannot be made until the court has granted final approval to the settlements, including the resolution of any appeals. It is anticipated that final approval may not be granted for a few years. Also, if too many or too 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.

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