WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Kinsella Media, LLC, court-approved notice provider for the LCD Flat Panel litigation.

Settlements totaling over $538 Million have been reached with seven out of ten Defendants in litigation involving the price of thin film transistor liquid crystal display flat panels ("TFT-LCD").  The lawsuits claim that the Defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain or stabilize prices of TFT-LCD Flat Panels resulting in overcharges to consumers who bought televisions, monitors and notebook computers containing the panels. The Defendants deny these allegations.  The Court has not decided who is right.

Consumers who purchased televisions, monitors and notebook computers from someone other than the manufacturer of the flat panel, are known as Indirect Purchasers of the LCD panel, and their rights may be affected by this litigation.

The settlements will pay over $538 Million to consumers in 24 states and the District of Columbia and governmental entities in eight states.  The settlements also provide for nationwide injunctive relief to stop the Defendants' alleged behavior. 

Consumer damages classes are certified in AZ, AR, CA, FL, HI, IA, KS, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, RI, SD, TN, VT, WV and WI, and DC.  The Attorneys General of AR, CA, FL, MI, MO, NY, WV and WI are also participating in the case on behalf of their citizens and governmental entities.

The Settling Defendants are Chimei Innolux Corporation; Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd.; Epson Imaging Devices Corporation; HannStar Display Corporation; Hitachi Displays, Ltd.; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; and Sharp Corporation. 

The lawsuits continue against three Defendants that have not agreed to settle -- AU Optronics Corporation; LG Display Co. Ltd. and Toshiba Corporation; and their U.S. affiliates.

The settlement funds are not available for distribution now.  However, consumers can register online to receive a claim form when one becomes available. 

Consumers who do not wish to remain in this litigation must exclude themselves in writing, postmarked by April 13, 2012, to the Settlement Administrator at the address below. Consumers who exclude themselves, or live outside of the 24 states and the District of Columbia, retain all rights they may have to sue the Defendants on their own for monetary damages. 

Consumers who remain in the litigation may object to the Settlements in writing, postmarked by April 13, 2012, to the Settlement Administrator at the address below.

The Court will hold a hearing on May 18, 2012 to consider whether to approve the Settlements.

A trial against the non-settling manufacturers is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2012.  Another trial involving the claims of the Attorneys General of AR, FL, MO, MI, WV and WI is set to begin on November 5, 2012.  Additional trials involving the claims of the Attorneys General of CA and NY may take place at a later date.

This is only a summary of the litigation.  Consumers are encouraged to visit www.LCDclass.com to get more information about the litigation, obtain copies of the Settlement Agreements, and to register to receive a claim form when it becomes available.  Consumers may also call: 1-855-225-1886 or write to: LCD Class, P.O. Box 8025, 
Faribault, MN 55021-9425 to get additional information.

SOURCE Kinsella Media, LLC

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