Settlements made in electrolytic & film capacitor class action suit

Four proposed national settlements totaling CAD $21.94 million for the benefit of class members have been reached in class actions alleging price fixing and related conduct on behalf of Canadians who purchased electrolytic and film capacitors and products containing electrolytic and film capacitors.

ROHM, Fujitsu, KEMET and Nichicon (together, the “Settling Defendants”) have separately agreed to pay CAD $450,000, CAD $465,000, CAD $6,200,000 and CAD $14,150,000 respectively for the benefit of Electrolytic Settlement Class Members. KEMET and Nichicon have also agreed to pay CAD $325,000 and CAD $350,000 respectively for the benefit of Film Settlement Class Members.

Source: Getty Image

An “electrolytic capacitor” and a “film capacitor” are two types of electronic components used in an electrical circuit to store a charge. They are found in electronics such as smartphones, gaming consoles, home appliances and televisions, among other electronic products.

To be a member of these class actions, one must have purchased an aluminum and tantalum electrolytic capacitor or a product containing an aluminum and tantalum electrolytic capacitor between September 1, 1997 and December 31, 2014 or have purchased a film capacitor or a product containing a film capacitor between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2014.

Settlements are not admissions of liability, fault or wrongdoing

In addition, the Settling Defendants have agreed to provide cooperation to the plaintiffs in pursuing their claims against the non-settling defendants. The settlements are not admissions of liability, fault, or wrongdoing, but are compromises of disputed claims. The settlements must be approved by the courts before they become effective.

Because the class actions are still ongoing and other settlements may be reached, the ROHM, Fujitsu, KEMET and Nichicon settlement amounts will not be distributed to class members at this time. A process for the payment of claims to class members, which is subject to court approval and will be on further notice to the class, will be put in place later.

For more detailed information, and to view the courts’ orders, the settlement agreements, the court-approved notices and an explanation of the rights of settlement class members, please visit www.capacitorclassaction.ca.