This case arises out of long-running conspiracy among defendants and co-conspirators to fix, raise and maintain prices for LCD panels sold indirectly to plaintiffs and other indirect purchasers. “LCD” is the technology that involves sandwiching liquid crystals between two glass plates used in televisions, computer monitors and laptop computers.
The litigation is proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division. Plaintiffs, who purchased products incorporating LCD panels, claim that the defendants and co-conspirators formed an international cartel to restrict competition for LCD panels in the United States, which affected billions of dollars of commerce. Plaintiffs allege injuries to their businesses by paying more for products incorporating LCD panels than they would have paid absent the defendants’ conspiracy.
Plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief under Section 16 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 26 and for violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. §1, as well as damages under the antitrust and other laws in the State of California and additional states. Plaintiffs also seek restitution, damages and other relief under various state laws.
The Court has certified the class of indirect purchasers and the certified class recently settled with seven defendants for $538.5 million in cash and significant injunctive relief. Notice of these settlements will be distributed if the court approves such notice. Trial against the three remaining defendants is scheduled for April of 2012.
LCD_OrdGrantInPartDenyInPartIndirectPurchPlsMotAmendClassCertOrder072811.pdf 
