Linear Resistors Class Action

Court:
Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Class Members:
If you have purchased linear resistors, or products containing them, you may be a member of the proposed class. Please contact us if you have questions about the proposed class definition.

Co-counsel:
Foreman & Company is working in concert with Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman LLP in British Columbia and Belleau Lapointe s.e.n.c.r.l. in Québec (collectively “Class Counsel”) to prosecute these matters on a national basis.

The content of this page has not been approved by the Court nor does it constitute legal advice. It is for the purpose of providing general information only.

Case Contacts

Jon Foreman

Kassandra Gauld

Jean-Marc Metrailler

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Linear resistors are small components used to regulate current in electrical circuits, and are found in most modern electronic devices. This class action alleges that certain resistors manufacturers engaged in an illegal cartel to fix prices of linear resistors in Canada.

The defendants’ conduct is alleged to have inflated the price of linear resistors, and of electronic products like computers and smartphones, for consumers and businesses across Canada. The class actions seek recovery of these overcharges on behalf of purchasers.

Case History

Previous Settlements

Respective settlements have been reached with the following defendants in this action:

ROHM Co. Ltd. and ROHM Semiconductor U.S.A., LLC. (collectively “ROHM”);
Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., and HDK America Inc. (collectively “HDK”);
Kamaya Electric Co., Ltd. and Kamaya, Inc. (collectively “Kamaya”); and
Panasonic Corporation, Panasonic Corporation of North America, and Panasonic Canada Inc. (collectively “Panasonic”).

As the lawsuit is still ongoing and there could be other settlements or judgments against the remaining defendants, and potentially more money for class members, the settlement funds (less Court-approved fees and expenses) will be held in an interest-bearing trust account for the benefit of class members.

If there are further recoveries, they will be added to the present settlement amounts and an efficient distribution will be made at an appropriate time. That plan must be approved by the Courts before it takes effect.

Opting-Out

The Court-ordered deadline for Settlement Class Members to opt-out of the Class Actions was January 29, 2021. If you did not previously opt-out, you are legally bound by the results of the Class Actions, including the ROHM and HDK settlement agreements.

Case Status

This matter has been filed in London, Ontario. Further information will be posted as this matter proceeds.

Discontinuances

Discontinuances against the Murata and Yageo groups of defendants were granted by the Court in January 2020. In July 2021, discontinuances were also granted as against the TOCOS, Midori, Vishay and Alps defendants.

The Court’s Endorsements and Orders in respect of the discontinuances can be viewed in the Court Documents section further down this page.