SAN FRANCISCO, July 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A $19.5 million class action Settlement announced by Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP has been agreed to by Sony Corporation, Sony Energy Devices Corporation, and Sony Electronics Inc. (“Settling Defendants”) resolving claims that they allegedly fixed the price of Lithium Ion Battery Cells. This may have caused individuals and businesses to pay more for Lithium Ion Batteries and Lithium Ion Battery Products. Lithium Ion Battery Products include, but are not limited to, laptop computers, notebook computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, camcorders, and power tools. 

Am I Included?
You may be included if, from January 1, 2000, to May 31, 2011, you indirectly purchased a Lithium Ion Battery or Lithium Ion Battery Product (such as a notebook computer, mobile phone, or digital camera) in the United States for your own use and not for resale from one or more of the Defendants in this lawsuit. “Indirectly” means you bought the product from someone other than the manufacturer, such as from a retail store. A more detailed notice, including the exact Class definition and exceptions to Class membership, is available at www.batteriesconsumerlitigation.com.

What does the Settlement provide?
The Settlement provides for the payment of $19,500,000 in cash to the Class. Sony has also agreed to cooperate in the pursuit of claims against other defendants.

How can I get a payment?
Money will not be distributed to the Class at this time. The lawyers for the Class will pursue the lawsuit against the other Defendants to see if any future settlements or judgments can be obtained in the case and then be distributed together, on a pro rata basis, based on the value of your Lithium Ion Battery and/or Lithium Ion Battery Product purchases, to reduce expenses.

If you want to receive notice about the claims process or future settlements, you should register at www.batteriesconsumerlitigation.com.

What are my rights?
Even if you do nothing, you will be bound by the Court’s decisions concerning this Settlement. If you want to keep your right to sue the Settling Defendants regarding Lithium Ion Battery and/or Lithium Ion Battery Product purchases, you must exclude yourself in writing from the Class by September 22, 2016. If you stay in the Class, you may object in writing to the Settlement by September 22, 2016. The Settlement Agreement, along with details on how to exclude yourself or object, is available at www.batteriesconsumerlitigation.com. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California will hold a hearing on November 8, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at 1301 Clay Street, Courtroom 1, 4th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 to consider whether to approve the Settlement. Class Counsel will also request at the hearing, or at a later date, attorneys’ fees of up to 30% of the Settlement Fund, plus reimbursement of costs and expenses, for investigating the facts, litigating the case, and negotiating the settlement. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, but you don’t have to. The hearing may be moved to a different date or time without additional notice, so it is a good idea to check the website for additional information. Please do not contact the Court about this case.

If the case against the other Defendants is not dismissed or settled, Class Counsel will have to prove their claims against the other Defendants at trial. Dates for the trial have not yet been set. The Court has appointed the law firms of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP; Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP; and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP as Class Counsel, to represent Indirect Purchaser Class members.

For More Information:  1-800-952-0581 / www.batteriesconsumerlitigation.com