Class-action lawsuit targets hard drive component makers for alleged price-fixing scheme

A class-action lawsuit targets manufacturers of hard drive suspension assemblies in the United States. The case names TDK Corporation and NHK Spring as defendants for their alleged role in a price-fixing scheme. Industry reports indicate that these companies supply components found in approximately 97 percent of all hard disk drives globally.

Lawsuit alleges 13-year price-fixing scheme by hard drive suspension assembly makers

The legal action covers a period spanning from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2016. The complaint alleges that the defendants coordinated prices for their suspension assemblies during this timeframe. Major storage brands including Seagate, Western Digital, and Toshiba likely fall under the scope of this lawsuit due to their reliance on these components.

This filing continues a previous antitrust case initiated against the same manufacturers in 2019. The current action allows consumers to opt out of the class action until August 23, 2026. Legal experts note that success is not guaranteed and outcomes remain uncertain for all parties involved.

If the lawsuit succeeds, U.S. resellers and end users who purchased hard drives or computers containing these assemblies between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2016, could be eligible for monetary compensation. The potential financial recovery depends entirely on the final judgment of the court.