Zelle Named Co-Lead Counsel in HDD Assembly Litigation Vs. NHK Spring and TDK
As well as Robins Kaplan
This is a Press Release edited by StorageNewsletter.com on December 19, 2019 at 2:15 pmZelle LLP has been named co-lead counsel for a nationwide putative class of end-user plaintiffs in In re: HDD Drives Suspension Assemblies Antitrust Litigation.
The lawsuit alleges that manufacturers of HDD suspension assemblies conspired to fix prices and allocate markets. Zelle represents consumers who, between May 2008 and April 2016, indirectly purchased products containing HDD suspension assemblies manufactured by the defendants.
HDD suspension assemblies are a key component of HDDs found in a range of consumer products, including computers, portable HDDs and gaming systems. The market for HDD suspension assemblies is dominated by two Japanese companies: TDK and NHK Spring. Together, these companies and their subsidiaries control approximately 90% of the global market for HDD suspension units.
Plaintiffs further allege that defendants and their co-conspirators reached agreements to refrain from competing on price, and allocate their respective markt shares for, HDD suspension assemblies, resulting in higher prices for retailers and consumers in USA.
These claims are at the center of a criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice, which has resulted in a guilty plea and a $28.5 million fine for NHK Spring.
Similar investigations have also been announced in Japan and Brazil.
“We are pleased that the case is moving forward, and we look forward to pursuing relief on behalf of our clients,” said Christopher Micheletti, a partner in the firm’s San Francisco office. “As alleged in the complaint, we believe consumers were forced to pay more than they should as a result of defendants’ conspiracy.”
Read also:
Robins Kaplan Co-Lead Counsel, HDD Suspensions Assemblies Antitrust Litigation
That alleges TDK and NHK illegally conspired to fix prices.
December 18, 2019 | Press Release
Japanese Manufacturer NHK Spring Agrees to Plead Guilty and Pay $28.5 Million Criminal Antitrust Fine
To fixing prices for suspension assemblies used in HDDs
August 6, 2019 | Press Release
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