In Re Date v. Sony Electronics, Inc. 1080p Television

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT INFORMATION

In this lawsuit, plaintiff David Date, Jr. (“Plaintiff”) alleges that defendants Sony Electronics Inc. (“SEL”) and ABC Appliance, Inc. (dba ABC Warehouse) (“ABC”) made misleading representations about four Sony high-definition television models that were sold and marketed several years ago. Specifically, Mr. Date alleges that in describing the television’s display resolution as “1080p,” Defendants misled consumers because the televisions do not always display 1080p resolutions, are incapable of accepting 1080p video signals, and cannot accept and display video content at 1080p resolution. Mr. Date purports to bring this lawsuit on behalf of himself and all other consumers in the United States who purchased, or received as a gift, any of the four television models at issue. SEL and ABC emphatically deny Mr. Date’s allegations.

After five months of extensive, informed, and adversarial settlement negotiations, the parties have reached an agreement to settle the claims asserted in this case. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Mr. Date and the Settlement Class (as that class is defined below) agree to release their claims against Defendants. In exchange, every member of the Settlement Class is eligible to receive a benefit. Some are eligible for cash payments, and others may receive free merchandise available at SEL’s online store, subject to certain eligibility and proof-of-purchase requirements described below. As is the case with any settlement negotiated at arm’s length by experienced counsel zealously committed to their clients’ interests, this settlement is not a complete victory for either side. It is a fair, reasonable, and adequate resolution of this lawsuit. (Taken from the introduction to the memorandum of points and authorities in support of joint application for preliminary approval of settlement.)

To see a copy of the current class action complaint and other complaints against Sony Electronic, Inc., click here.

The see a copy of the Settlement Agreement, click here.

To see a copy of the Memo in Support of Preliminary Approval, click here.

To see a copy of the Preliminary Approval Order Signed by the Court, click here.

To see copies of the of the Declarations in Support of Preliminary Approval, click the links below.

Jeff Goldstein Declaration in Support.

Judge Guillou Declaration in Support.

Judge Wiener Declaration in Support.

Lance A. Raphael Certification.

Alan M. Mansfield Declaration in Support.

Ronald A. Valenzuela Declaration in Support.

To file a claim, click here.