Panasonic Resistors Antitrust

Hagens Berman is co-lead counsel in this antitrust class-action lawsuit filed against Panasonic claiming that the electronics giant 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, as well as antitrust, consumer-protection and unfair competition laws in California and New York.

The suit has been filed on behalf of a class of indirect purchasers, including small businesses, and seeks damages and injunctive relief against Panasonic, as well as KOA Corporation; KOA Speer Electronics, Inc.; Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; ROHM Co., Ltd.; Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.; Yageo Corporation 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 cadidates, "are capable and accomplished advocates, with extensive experience in complex litigation, including class actions and cases involving technology and antitrust claims."

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