Antitrust Investigation of LCD Panel Makers

December 2006: Authorities in the United States, South Korea and Japan have begun a global investigation of the makers of LCD panel products alleging that these companies collaborated to fix the pricing resulting in increased revenue and the elimination of potential competition.

Background:

At the center of the investigation are some of the most widely recognized makers of electronic products including LG Electronics, LG Philips, Samsumg, Sharp and AU Optronics. LCD displays are used in a wide variety of electronics including flat screen computer monitors, televisions, laptops, cell phones and a number of other personal electronic devices.

The global investigation is focusing on possible price fixing which forced consumers to pay above the market rate for their LCD products. Price fixing happens when competing companies selling the same product have an agreement intended to inflate or stabilize the price of a product eliminating the competition, resulting in huge profits for the companies involved. For the consumer, they are forced to pay these prices because of the lack of other options - so consumers end up paying higher prices for the products they purchase. When companies collude to essentially "rig" an entire market, the antitrust laws allow consumers to demand accountability from large companies to change this behavior.

What can you do?

If you purchased an LCD product between December 12, 2002 to the present, and are interested in joining a lawsuit to demand the accountability of big businesses, contact our law firm. Zimmerman Reed has experience representing small businesses and individuals who have experienced financial loss due to price-fixing, unfair trade practices or other anti-competitive conduct. Click here to fill out a free case review or contact our firm toll-free at 1.800.755.0098. We welcome any questions you may have.