Panasonic Resistors Antitrust

Hagens Berman is co-lead counsel in this antitrust class-action lawsuit filed against Panasonic and other defendants claiming that the electronics giants manipulated the resistor market, leading to increased prices and harm to consumers.

A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element and a common element in electronic equipment including cell phones and computers, as well as many industries including telecommunications, audiovisual, automotive and server computing.

The suit alleges violations of Section One of the Sherman Act.

The suit has been filed on behalf of a class of direct purchasers, including small businesses, and seeks damages and injunctive relief against HDK America, Inc., Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Kamaya Electric Co., Ltd., Kamaya Inc., Walsin Technology Corporation, Walsin Technology Corporation U.S.A., Panasonic Corporation, Panasonic Corporation of North America ROHM Co., Ltd., and ROHM Semiconductor U.S.A., LLC for the collusion.

In his order appointing Hagens Berman's Steve Berman as co-lead counsel, Judge Ronald M. Whyte of the U.S. District Court in San Jose stated that the candidates, "are capable and accomplished advocates, with extensive experience in complex litigation, including class actions and cases involving technology and antitrust claims."

The consolidated cases are Resistors Antitrust Litigation, case number 5:15-cv-03820, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.