Posted 09/29/08 at 10:55:11 AM by Paul Lilly
Less than two months ago, a class action lawsuit was filed in a Califorina court against AMD/ATI and Nvidia alleging that the two had "conspired to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize prices of graphics processing chips and cards." Giving the allegation widespread media attention, news and review site TomsHardware managed to obtain a handful of legal documents for the filing, including a few interesting email exchanges among ATI's and Nvidia's top brass.
According to reports, Nvidia has now offered a settlement agreement to the tune of $1.7 million. As outlined, the agreement would have Nvidia and AMD/ATI splitting the total fund, with each company paying $850,000. Not yet a done deal, there aren't any reports of AMD/ATI confirming the settlement agreement, and as detailed in the 8-K form that was filed on September 24, the agreement would still be "subject to court approval."
If it does go through, the money will go to the certified class who brought about the suit, which can include anyone who purchased a graphics card direct from Nvidia or ATI in the U.S. between December 4, 2002 and November 7, 2007.
Do you find this resolution fair?
Links:
[1] http://www.maximumpc.com/user/one4yu2c
[2] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/amd_nvidia_face_lawsuit_for_price_fixing
[3] http://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-amd-ati-graphics,6311.html#commentForm
[4] http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6165503-1040-6341&type=sect&dcn=0001193125-08-200658
[5] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/texting_and_twittering_while_driving_made_illegal_california
[6] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/us_agents_can_now_legally_seize_your_laptops