Class actions

Past • 17 August 2021

Option consommateurs vs Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, et autres (rechargeable lithium-ion batteries)

Class action lawsuits have been filed in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec alleging that several lithium-ion battery manufacturers conspired to fix the prices of these batteries, resulting in consumers, businesses and other purchasers paying too much for batteries and battery-equipped products purchased in Canada.

Which products are targeted?

The battery-powered products covered by this collective action are: notebook computers, laptop computers, electronic tablets, e-book readers, MP3 players, personal digital assistants, handheld GPS units, portable video players, cell phones or smartphones (except cell phones purchased under a cell phone service contract), as well as replacement lithium-ion battery packs.

Who are the members?

Class members are all persons in Canada who purchased batteries or battery-equipped products between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2012, with the exception of the companies covered by the class action and certain persons affiliated with the covered companies.

Where are we now?

The settlements reached in the class actions total approximately $21.3 million CAD. All amounts obtained, plus costs and interest, less fees, disbursements, administration costs and applicable taxes (the “Net Amounts”), are available for compensation to Class Members (as defined above). The Net Amounts total approximately $13 million CAD. The Ontario and Quebec courts have approved a protocol for the distribution of the Net Amounts.

The claims period for this class action is now closed and it is no longer possible to file a claim.

The claims administrator, RicePoint Administration Inc. is currently reviewing the claims received and will contact you if further information is required. Payment to Class Members who claimed the $20 minimum payment (Undocumented Claims) occurred during the spring of 2022. Payment to Class Members who are eligible to receive more than $20 (Documented Claims) will take place thereafter.

Need more information ?

Please visit batteriessettlement.ca for regular updates on the expected timing of payments. If you have any questions, please contact the Claims Administrator at 1-866-726-4080 or by e-mail at recoursbatteries@ricepoint.com.

Relevant documents

For further details, please consult the notices to members.