Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this lawsuit about?
- What are the settlement benefits for Class Members?
- How can I obtain a copy of the Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action?
- How can I obtain a copy of the claim form?
- How do I complete the claim form?
- If I would rather receive the documents by mail what do I need to do?
- How can I get a refund on a repair performed on my Display that is covered under this settlement?
- When will the Court hold a hearing to decide whether to approve the settlement?
- When can I expect to receive my benefits?
- Where can I go for additional information?
1. What is this lawsuit about?
The lawsuit claimed that the inverter board of the Apple 17-inch LCD Studio Display was faulty, causing the gradient dimming of the top or bottom half of the screen of the Display and a power light to constantly blink on and off in a short-short-long pattern to signal a problem. Apple denies all allegations and has asserted many defenses. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing or an indication that any law was violated.
You are a member of the Settlement Class if you are a United States resident who purchased in the United States a new Apple 17-inch LCD Studio Display monitor. The Apple 17-inch LCD Studio Display monitor was sold beginning in May 2001. The benefits available under the settlement are described below.
For more detailed information about this settlement, please refer to the Notice.
2. What are the settlement benefits for Class Members?
Apple has agreed to provide a cash refund to Class Members who paid for the type of repair covered by the settlement and who send in a valid claim form. The amount of the cash refund will vary depending on who performed the repair, how much you paid for the repair, and how old your Display was when the repair was performed.
The settlement covers repairs required because the inverter board of the Display failed, causing the gradient dimming of the top or bottom half of the screen of the Display and a power light to constantly blink on and off in a short-short-long pattern to signal a problem (“Covered Repair”). The Covered Repair must occur during the second or third year following your purchase of the Display, and before August 31, 2007.
The settlement provides for different refund payments depending on whether your Covered Repair was performed by Apple or by an independent service provider (“Third-Party Provider”). Apple Authorized Service Providers are considered Third-Party Providers under the settlement. The amount of your refund payment will also vary depending on whether the Covered Repair was performed during the second or third year after you purchased your Display.
| Repair Provider | Year Repair Performed | Refund Amount |
|
Apple
|
During the Second Year After You Purchased the Display |
$400
|
|
Apple
|
During the Third Year After You Purchased the Display |
$350
|
|
Third-Party Provider
|
During the Second Year After You Purchased the Display |
The actual amount you paid (excluding tax) up to a maximum of $150 |
|
Third-Party Provider
|
During the Third Year After You Purchased the Display |
The actual amount you paid (excluding tax) up to a maximum of $75 |
You are limited to one refund per Display.
For more detailed information about this settlement, please refer to the Notice.
3. How can I obtain a copy of the Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action?
To view and print a copy of the Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action, click here.
4. How can I obtain a copy of the claim form?
To view and print a customized Claim Form, click here.
5. How do I complete the claim form?
To view and print a copy of the Claim Form Instructions which explain how to complete the Claim Form, click here.
6. If I would rather receive the documents by mail what do I need to do?
Call toll-free 1-888-826-3082 and leave your name and mailing address, and a copy of the Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action, Claim Form Instructions, and Claim Form will be mailed to you.
7. How can I get a refund on a repair performed on my Display that is covered under this settlement?
To qualify for a refund, you must send in a claim form. A claim form, including instructions on how to make a claim, can be found on this website.
You must read the instructions carefully, fill out the form, include all the documents the form asks for, and sign the claim form under penalty of perjury. If your Covered Repair occurred on or before April 2, 2007, you must mail the claim form postmarked on or before June 1, 2007. If your Covered Repair occurred after April 2, 2007, you must mail the claim form postmarked on or before the earlier of 90 days after the date the Covered Repair occurred, or by August 31, 2007. If you fail to return your claim form by the required date, your claim will be rejected, and you will be deemed to have waived all rights to receive any benefits under this settlement.
If your Covered Repair was performed by a Third-Party Provider, you will be required to provide proof of the Covered Repair. Proof of Repair means an invoice, receipt, or other document showing the nature of the Covered Repair (i.e., that it was a Covered Repair), the name and address of the entity that performed the Covered Repair, the date of the Covered Repair, and the amount of the Covered Repair (excluding tax). You may be asked for additional documentation. Follow all the instructions on the claim form.
For more detailed information about this settlement and how to file a claim, please refer to the Notice.
8. When will the Court approve the settlement?
The Court reviewed arguments in support of settlement approval during a Fairness Hearing held on February 15, 2007. The Court's approval order for the settlement was signed on March 13, 2007.
9. When can I expect to receive my benefits?
Given the Court's approval of the settlement, claims received to date are being processed. If all the information contained in the claims submission is determined complete and accurate, the claim benefit will be issued in approximately 60 days. If the claim submission is incomplete or cannot be verified, a Notice of Deficiency will be issued to the claimant requesting clarification or submission of the missing informaiton. The deadline to respond will be defined in the Notice of Deficiency.
10. Where can I go for additional information?
Do not contact the Court concerning the Notice or lawsuit. You can review the documents on this website to find answers to common questions about the settlement, a claim form, plus other information to help you determine whether you are a Class Member and whether you are eligible for a benefit. The Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action (located here) contains the most detailed information about the settlement. If you have questions about the case, you can write to:
Scott R. Shepherd
Shepherd, Finkelman, Miller & Shah, LLC
35 East State Street
Media, PA 19063-2917