Consumers recently reached a settlement for a class action lawsuit filed against Sony. The consumers alleged Sony sold VAIO Notebook computers that included flawed touchpads. Consumers that bought a Sony VAIO Notebook between March 16, 2006 and January 4, 2017 might achieve the legal status required to receive cash payouts resulting from the settlement.
Primary plaintiffs Christina Egner and Rickey Glasco filed the lawsuit against Sony Electronics, Inc. and Best Buy Stores LP. The lawsuit formerly charges Sony with manufacturing, marketing, and selling VAIO Notebooks with substandard touchpads, which consumers also call trackpads. The trackpad malfunction caused the screen cursor to freeze or reverse direction. The plaintiffs charged Sony with violating provisions of the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law, and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
A California judge ruled for Class certification in October of 2013. Although Sony continues to deny the allegations, the company agreed to the VAIO Notebook settlement to avoid a costly prolonged court battle.
What You Need to Know
The Sony VAIO Notepad class action settlement received approval on January 4, 2017. Consumers have until June 5, 2017 to choose not to join the class action or file a formal objection to the class action settlement. Consumers must file a claim form by June 5, 2017 to join the class. The final hearing for the settlement is on August 7, 2017.
Sony VAIO class members include California and New Jersey residents who bought a Sony VAIO laptop, series SZ, FZ, NW, EB or F, in California or New Jersey. The maximum award for the class action settlement is $200 for each class member. Sony has approved the settlement, which requires the company to issue one-time cash payments to qualified class members who file timely and legally valid claims.
Eligible class members must present a printed receipt, proof of purchase code, or other documentation that proves the ownership of a Sony VAIO Notebook. Proof of purchase is not only important for confirming ownership of the VAIO Notebook, but also to verify the date falls within the settlement timeline. Class members that can prove they paid for VAIO Notebook repairs have the legal right under the settlement to receive cash payments for the repairs.
Here is some information class action members of the Sony VAIO Notebook case should know:
Case Name
Sony VAIO Computer Notebook Trackpad Litigation, Case No. 3:09-cv-02109, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Settlement Website
Class Counsel
Gomez Trial Attorneys
Zeldes Haeggquist & Eck, LLP
Doyle Lowther LLP
Defense Counsel
Cooley LLP
The settlement website offers up to date information on how to file a claim, as well as the class notice and other important legal documents.
