An “electrolytic capacitor” is an electronic component used in an electrical circuit in order to store a charge. Electrolytic capacitors are found in electronics like computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, home appliances and televisions, among other products.
The plaintiffs in the Electrolytic Capacitors Class Actions allege that a number of companies who sell and manufacture electrolytic capacitors participated in an unlawful conspiracy to fix, raise, maintain, increase, or control the price for electrolytic capacitors in Canada. The plaintiffs allege that this conspiracy affected prices paid by both direct purchasers of electrolytic capacitors, as well as purchasers of products containing electrolytic capacitors.
TopYou are an Electrolytic Settlement Class Member if you are a Canadian resident and purchased electrolytic capacitors1 or products containing electrolytic capacitors between September 1, 1997 and December 31, 2014 (the “Class Period”).
1Electrolytic capacitors are found in electronics like computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, home appliances and televisions, among other products. If you purchased electronic products during the class period, you are likely an Electrolytic Settlement Class Member.
TopA settlement agreement has been reached with: ELNA Co., Ltd. and ELNA America, Inc. (collectively “ELNA”); and Holy Stone Enterprise Co., Ltd., Vishay Polytech Co., Ltd. f/k/a Holy Stone Polytech Co., Ltd., Milestone Global Technology, Inc. d/b/a Holy Stone International, Holy Stone Holdings Co., Ltd., and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., (collectively “Holy Stone”).
ELNA and Holy Stone have agreed to pay CAD $2,475,000 and CAD $790,000, respectively, for the benefit of the Electrolytic Settlement Class Members, and CAD $25,000 and CAD $10,000, respectively, for the benefit of class members in a separate film capacitor class actions (“Film Settlement Class Members” and “Film Capacitor Class Action”). In addition, both ELNA and Holy Stone have agreed to provide cooperation to the plaintiffs in pursuing their claims against the non-settling defendants. In exchange, ELNA and Holy Stone will be provided with a full release of the claims against them in relation to the Class Actions. The settlements are not admissions of liability, fault, or wrongdoing, but are compromises of disputed claims.
Settlement money will not be distributed now, as the case is still ongoing.
The Court must now determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and in the best interests of Electrolytic Settlement Class Members.
Motions to approve the settlement are scheduled to be heard at:
Depending on the Covid-19 protocols in place at the time, it is anticipated that the settlement approval hearing will proceed by videoconference. If you think you are an Electrolytic Settlement Class Member and want to participate in the settlement approval hearing in your jurisdiction, please contact the lawyers working on the Class Actions for instructions and particulars on how to join the hearing.
TopAs the lawsuit is still ongoing and there could be other settlements or a judgment against the other defendants, and potentially more money for Electrolytic Settlement Class Members, the settlement funds (less Court approved fees and expenses) will be held in an interest-bearing trust account for the benefit of the Electrolytic Settlement Class Members. If additional amounts are recovered in the future, class counsel will prepare a plan for paying those amounts out to Electrolytic Settlement Class Members. That plan must be approved by the Courts before it takes effect.
TopIf you do not want to object to the settlement, you do NOT have to do anything.
If you would like to comment on or object to the settlement then you need to do so by March 14, 2022 - see FAQ #6 to learn what steps to take.
TopIf you wish to comment or object to the settlement, you must deliver a written submission to one of the lawyers listed here by March 14, 2022 at the latest.
TopIf you provide class counsel with your contact information we will contact you directly if there is a settlement or judgment. We respect your privacy and will not share your information with others.
You are also welcome to visit this website for updates, or contact class counsel directly for more information.
TopForeman & Company represents Electrolytic Settlement Class Members in Ontario and in all provinces other than British Columbia and Québec.
Belleau Lapointe, s.e.n.c.r.l. represents Electrolytic Settlement Class Members in Québec.
Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman LLP represents Electrolytic Settlement Class Members in British Columbia.
Class counsel is paid on a contingency basis. This means class counsel only receives legal fees if there is an approved settlement or a judgment given by the Court. The Court has to approve class counsel’s fees and disbursements. Class counsel will not receive fees if the case is unsuccessful. At this time, Class counsel will ask the Court to approve legal fees of up to 25% of the Electrolytic settlement amount, at the settlement approval hearing.
TopPrior settlements were reached with the defendants Panasonic Corporation, Panasonic Corporation of North America, Panasonic Canada Inc., and Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (collectively, “Panasonic”), and with NEC TOKIN Corporation and NEC TOKIN America Inc. (“Tokin”). Panasonic and Tokin agreed to pay, respectively, CAD $5,950,000.00 and CAD $2,900,000.00, and to provide meaningful early cooperation to the plaintiffs. The Panasonic and Tokin settlement money is being held in an interest-bearing trust account for the benefit of Electrolytic Settlement Class Members.
In Québec, on March 22, 2019, the Superior Court has authorized the electrolytic Class Action, which is now allowed to proceed towards the trial. In Ontario and British Columbia, the electrolytic and film Class Actions are continuing towards the certification stage.
TopThe lawyers representing Electrolytic Settlement Class Members in the Electrolytic Capacitor Class Actions also represent Film Settlement Class Members in Film Capacitor Class Actions underway across Canada.
Electrolytic and film capacitors are used to store energy in electric circuits. They are used in similar types of electronic products, but are made from different materials, in some cases by different manufacturers.
If you are a purchaser of electronic products, you may be a class member in both actions, and should inform yourself of important updates in both cases. Please click here for more information on the Film Capacitors Class Actions.
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