Source: https://es.scribd.com/document/338596156/Circuit-City-s-amended-complaint-in-Optical-Disc-Drive-price-fixing-lawsuit
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 16:21:23+00:00

Document:
A continuation of the optical disc drive class action civil lawsuit, following a criminal DOJ investigation in 2009.
15 Mayland MN, LLC, Papsco Designs, Inc., Sky Venture Corp., XSStuff, LLC and PRAHS, Inc.
16 (collectively, “Circuit City” or the “Circuit City Companies”).
27 2004 to at least January 1, 2010 (the “Conspiracy Period”).
Circuit City was a leading national retailer of consumer electronics and operated 2 more than 700 electronics superstores in the United States. During the Conspiracy Period. 6 5. product quality information. including the following: 8 • Defendants rigged bids for ODD procurement events conducted by Original 9 Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”). Defendants and their co-conspirators controlled the 20 vast majority of the global market for ODDs. 27 8. including 22 billions of dollars’ worth of ODDs purchased by Circuit City. & 1367. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . including the U. 24 II. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 4 of 65 1 4. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 respect to OEM and/or non-OEM sales. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 • Defendants and their co-conspirators exchanged confidential business information 14 concerning ODDs. 15 production capacity. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because each Defendant 28 purposely availed itself of the laws of the United States by transacting business in the United 2 CASE NO. TUCHIN. and LOS ANGELES. Defendants’ 21 anticompetitive activities artificially inflated the prices of ODDs in the United States. 17 company responses to customer initiatives. including but not limited to pricing and rebate information. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. such as Dell Inc. 19 6. 1337. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 25 7.S. During the Conspiracy Period. (“Dell”) and Hewlett- 10 Packard Company (“HP”). market. Circuit 3 City purchased billions of dollars’ worth of ODDs and ODD Products from Defendants. This Court has jurisdiction over the Trustee’s claims pursuant to 28 U.S. §§ 26 1331. Circuit City was injured by paying substantially more for 5 ODDs than it would have otherwise. and thereby damaged Circuit City’s 23 business to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 • Defendants cooperated and agreed to set prices and/or allocate customers with KLEE. As a 4 result of Defendants’ illegal actions. inventory and shipping information.C. business plans and roadmaps for product rollouts and 16 production. Defendants and their co-conspirators carried out their price-fixing conspiracy 7 through an integrated and sustained series of anticompetitive acts. and plans for the cessation of 18 manufacturing of ODDs that had reached the ends of their lifecycles.
Papsco Designs. LLC and PRAHS. Inc. Further.S. and/or marketing and selling 2 ODDs to U. Orbyx Electronics. LLC. In addition. manufacturing ODDs intended for sale to U. 2010. PARTIES 15 A. 20 Abbott Advertising Agency. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 in this district. the Circuit City Companies (specifically. 28 3 CASE NO. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 5 of 65 1 States. a 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Kinzer Technology.S. Defendants’ conspiracy was directed at 4 and was intended to have and did have a direct. On September 10. 7 (c).S. Circuit City Stores PR. Inc. customers. LLC.C. provided for the establishment of the Circuit City Trust and the appointment 27 of Alfred H.. and (d) because each Defendant transacts business in this district or is otherwise found within 8 this district. Siegel as trustee of the Circuit City Trust. 6 9. Inc. Defendants and their co-conspirators knew that price-fixed ODDs would be sold LOS ANGELES. Inc. Circuit City Purchasing Company.. residents. 14 III. Sky Venture Corp. Inc.) filed petitions under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the 22 United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (the “Bankruptcy Court”). TUCHIN.. and reasonably foreseeable effect upon 5 domestic and import trade or commerce in the United States. § 22 and 28 U.C. 23 11. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 15 U. Further. Inc.C. § 1391(b). LLC. 21 XSStuff. 2008. Plaintiff 16 10. which. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 24 Conclusions of Law and Order Confirming Modified Second Amended Joint Plan of Liquidation 25 of Circuit City Stores. the Bankruptcy Court entered its Findings of Fact. Courchevel. substantial. LLC. Circuit 19 City Properties LLC. 26 among other things. Inc.S. and its Affiliated Debtors (the “Plan Confirmation Order”). CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 and shipped into this district. Circuit City Stores West Coast. Each Defendant is also subject to the jurisdiction of this Court by virtue 3 of its substantial aggregate nationwide contacts. Mayland MN. On November 10. including many of Circuit City’s purchases of ODDs. LLC. 9 § 1391 because a substantial portion of the events giving rise to Circuit City Trust’s claims 10 occurred in this district. LLC.S. Circuit City 17 Stores... LLC.. CC Distribution Company of Virginia. venue is proper in this district under 28 U. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 substantial portion of the interstate trade and commerce affected by the conspiracy was carried out KLEE. CC 18 Aviation.
is a wholly owned 27 subsidiary of SEL Holdings. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 entities. which in turn wholly owns Sony 19 Corporation of America. Circuit City purchased large numbers of ODDs and 5 ODD Products manufactured by Defendants. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 108-0075. 23 15. including California. (“Sony Optiarc America”). Minato-Ku. “Sony Corporation has no parent corporation. Defendant Sony NEC Optiarc 14 Inc. Sony Corp. 9 B. Inc. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused 22 ODDs to be imported into the United States.” which is “a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Americas Holding. Atsugi-shi. Inc. Circuit City purchased. (“Sony NEC”). which in turn wholly 20 owns SEI. Kanagawa 243-0021. is 99% owned by Sony 26 Corporation and 1% owned by Sony Electronics.” but Sony 18 Corp. Defendant Sony Corporation (“Sony Corp. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 the laws of Japan.” which is “a 4 CASE NO.’s Certificate 25 of Interested Entities or Persons [Docket No. with its principal place of business located at 1-7-1. (“SEI”). Sony Defendants 10 14.. During the Conspiracy Period. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 21 manufactured. “Sony Optiarc. the Trustee is the successor-in-interest to 2 the Circuit City Companies. whose assets were vested in and transferred to the Circuit City Trust 3 on November 1. During the Conspiracy Period.. wholly owns. 2010. and 15 Defendant Sony Electronics Inc. Inc. According to Sony Optiarc. or their affiliated companies. which in turn wholly owns SEL Holdings. Defendant Sony Optiarc is a Japanese company with its headquarters located at 4- 24 16-1 Okata. Sony Corp. Many of Circuit 6 City’s purchases of ODDs and ODD Products were made directly from Defendants. 4 13. TUCHIN. received. Inc. 21].. nor 17 does any publicly held corporation own 10% or more of Sony Corporation’s stock. Konan.”) is a business entity organized under 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Inc. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 6 of 65 1 12. Japan. According to Sony Corporation’s Certificate of 16 Interested Entities or Persons [Docket No. Japan. their co-conspirators. controls an integrated global enterprise comprising itself and other LOS ANGELES. Defendant Sony Optiarc America Inc. (“Sony Optiarc”). which in turn owns part of Sony Optiarc. Inc. Inc. and took title to price- 8 fixed ODDs at its distribution centers in several states.. their 7 subsidiaries. inter alia. 20]..” which is “a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of 28 America. including Defendant Sony Optiarc Inc.” “Sony Electronics. Tokyo KLEE. Inc. Sony Americas Holding. and others. Pursuant to the Plan Confirmation Order.
Sony Optiarc manufactured.” “Sony Electronics. sold and/or 21 distributed ODDs throughout the United States and imported ODDs into the United States.” which is “a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony 18 Corporation. Defendant SEI is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 23 16530 Via Esprillo. Inc. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT .’s Consumer Products & Devices Group. 5 16. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 17.” which in turn “is 99% owned by Sony Corporation and 1% owned by Sony 15 Electronics. Sony 9 NEC manufactured. According to the Rule 7. Inc. During a portion of the Conspiracy Period. Inc. 2006 as a 7 joint venture between Sony Corp.. “Sony Electronics Inc. San Jose. [Docket No. Inc. “Sony Optiarc America. California 95112. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the 3 United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. and NEC. Inc. Inc.’s Certificate of Interested Entities or LOS ANGELES.” which is “a wholly owned 17 subsidiary of Sony Americas Holding.. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony 26 Corporation of America. San Diego. which is a Japanese corporation. Defendant Sony NEC was a Japanese company with its headquarters located at 4- 6 16-1 Okata. First Street. Sony Corp.” 16 which is “a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. which is a Japanese 28 5 CASE NO. Sony Optiarc America manufactured. 20 During a portion of the Conspiracy Period. 19 with its principal place of business located at 1730 N. Inc.1 Disclosure Statement 24 and Civil Local Rule 3-16 Certification of Interested Entities or Persons for Defendant Sony 25 Electronics Inc. TUCHIN. According to Sony Optiarc America. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony 14 Optiarc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEL Holdings. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.. California 92127.” During the 2 Conspiracy Period. 19]. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly 10 caused ODDs to be imported into the United States.” which in turn “is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Sony Optiarc is 4 now part of Sony Corp. 230]. Defendant Sony Optiarc America is a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of KLEE. which is a Japanese corporation. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Sony Optiarc Inc. Atsugi-shi. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Persons [Docket No. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 7 of 65 1 wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. In 2008. purchased NEC’s interest in 8 Sony NEC and renamed it Sony Optiarc Inc. Kanagawa 243-0021.” Sony Optiarc America is a Delaware corporation. Sony NEC was created on April 3. Japan. 22 18..” which in turn “is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Americas Holding 27 Inc.
and/or SEI. nor did they distinguish between and 23 among the entities within a corporate family. Japan.” The accounting report in the Form 20-F refers to Sony Corp. Sony Optiarc America. Toshiba Corp. Tokyo 1058001. In fact. The former two segments 6 contain ODDs.” As the Form 20-F further explains. In some regions. 2011. According to Sony Corp. sales of certain products and services are made directly to local 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. “Sony markets its KLEE. 4 Sony Corp. Toshiba Defendants 25 21. with its principal place of business located at 1-1. These subsidiaries then 9 sell those products to unaffiliated local distributors and dealers or through direct sales via the 10 Internet. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 8 of 65 1 corporation. 3 19. Sony NEC. sold and/or distributed ODDs 2 throughout the United States and imported ODDs into the United States.” When referring to “Sony” herein.. and other wholly owned LOS ANGELES.’s SEC Form 20-F for the year ending March 31. SEI manufactured. sales of Sony’s electronics products 7 are made to sales subsidiaries of Sony Corporation located in or responsible for sales in the 8 countries and territories where Sony’s products and services are marketed. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 distributors by Sony Corporation. including Consumer Products & Devices.” 15 20.” During the Conspiracy Period. Sony Optiarc. is divided into business segments. the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts did not 22 always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. The Form 20-F states that “[i]n most cases. including Defendant Toshiba America Information Systems. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Sony NEC. and B2B and Disc Manufacturing. Shibaura 1-chome.”) is a business entity organized 26 under the laws of Japan. controls an integrated global enterprise 28 comprised of it and other entities. Sony 19 Optiarc America. and SEI 16 are referred to individually and collectively herein as “Sony. Inc. The Sony corporate family and each constituent member thereof 20 were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the agreements 21 reached by such agents. Sony Optiarc. Defendants Sony Corp.S. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 electronics products and services through Sony Electronics Inc. 27 Minato-ku. TUCHIN. and its 14 consolidated subsidiaries collectively as “Sony.. 17 the Trustee is alleging that one or more employees or agents of entities within the Sony corporate 18 family engaged in conspiratorial acts on behalf of Sony Corp. 24 C. 6 CASE NO. 5 Networked Products & Services. Defendant Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba Corp. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 subsidiaries in the U.
” and “no publicly-traded 6 corporation owns more than 10% of the stock of Toshiba [Corp. According to Toshiba America Information Systems. including the “Digital Products Group. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 responsibility for storage devices and personal computers. TACP was merged 26 into TAIS on or about July 1.’s 2009 Annual Report contained an organization chart that shows 10 Toshiba Corp. TAIS 23 manufactured.” During the Conspiracy Period. Shibaura 1. “is organized and exists under the laws of Japan.Chome. and various “Consolidated Subsidiaries” that operate in its multiple business 17 segments. TACP also manufactured. 220]. LOS ANGELES. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and 8 directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. sold and/or distributed 25 ODDs throughout the United States and imported ODDs into the United States. and Defendant 2 Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation (“TSST Korea. During the Conspiracy Period. 7 Toshiba Corp. Defendant TSST is a business entity organized under the laws of Japan with its 28 principal place of business located at 1-1. 27 24. TUCHIN. manufactured. the 3 “Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture”).” and with TSST. California 92618. According to Toshiba Corporation’s Rule 7. 2010. 5 217]. Tokyo 105-8001. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 TAIS. Toshiba Corp. owns 100% of the stock of TAIS. and Toshiba America Consumer Products. “Toshiba America.” During the Conspiracy Period.]. Inc. 18 23. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 9 of 65 1 (“TAIS”). THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 multiple product segment subgroups. Japan 7 CASE NO. The Annual Report listed TSST Korea. Defendant Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Corporation (“TSST”).” and Toshiba Corp. Inc. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT .’s board and President and CEO exercising control and reporting authority over 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 9 22. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and imported ODDs into 24 the United States. 22 “owns 100% of the stock of Toshiba America.” Toshiba Corporation’s 2009 15 Financial Review incorporated into its Annual Report noted that the Toshiba Group comprised 16 Toshiba Corp.” which has KLEE. Toshiba Corp. LLC (“TACP”) (which was merged into TAIS 14 on or about July 1. Minato-ku.1 Disclosure 4 Statement and Civil Local Rule 3-16 Certification of Interested Entities or Persons [Docket No. 2010) as overseas “Consolidated Subsidiaries. Defendant TAIS is a California corporation that has its headquarters at 9740 Irvine 19 Blvd. Inc.1 Disclosure Statement and Civil Local Rule 3-16 Certification of Interested Entities or Persons 21 [Docket No. Irvine.’s Rule 20 7.
Defendants Toshiba Corp.” which in turn is “51% owned by 16 Toshiba Corporation and 49% owned by Samsung Electronics Co. 218]. and/or the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture.1 Disclosure Statement and Civil Local Rule 3-16 4 Certification of Interested Entities or Persons [Docket No.). Florida and San Diego. According to Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea LOS ANGELES.. 7 Ltd.” that is “51% owned by Toshiba Corporation and 49% owned by Samsung Electronics Co. During the Conspiracy Period. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly 19 caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. and the Toshiba- 23 Samsung Joint Venture are referred to individually and collectively herein as “Toshiba. 486. 102. Ltd.. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Defendant TSST Korea is a business entity organized under the laws of South 10 Korea with its principal place of business located at 14th Floor. TSST 18 Korea manufactured. 22 27. Digital Empire 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. In fact. which is part of the KLEE. The Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture operated or currently operates sales offices in 21 North America and logistics centers in Miami. Building No. 219]. 20 26. TSST Korea “is organized and exists under the laws of the 15 Republic of Korea. The Toshiba corporate family and each 27 constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was 28 party to the agreements reached by such agents. Korea 443-734. listed TSST Korea as an overseas subsidiary. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 2. 17 Toshiba Corp..” When 24 referring to “Toshiba” herein. the individual participants in the 8 CASE NO. According to Toshiba 3 Samsung Storage Technology Corporation’s Rule 7. Yeongtong-gu.” During the Conspiracy Period.. TSST manufactured. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 10 of 65 1 (the same address as Toshiba Corp. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Corporation’s Rule 7. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Samsung Digital Complex. California. Ltd. TUCHIN. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of [TSST]. “TSST is organized and exists under 5 the laws of Japan. the Trustee is alleging that one or more employees or agents of 25 entities within the Toshiba corporate family engaged in conspiratorial acts on behalf of Toshiba 26 Corp. TSST is a joint venture formed in 2004 and owned 51% by 2 the Toshiba corporate family and 49% by the Samsung corporate family.1 Disclosure Statement and Civil Local Rule 3-16 Certification of Interested 14 Entities or Persons [Docket No. Sin-dong. Gyonggi-do. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation and Samsung Electronics 6 Co.” In its 2009 Annual Report. sold and/or distributed ODDs 8 throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. TAIS. Suwonsi.. 9 25. TAIS (including the merged TACP).
(“SECL”) is a business entity organized 5 under the laws of South Korea.P. Defendant Samsung Electronics Co.” When referring to “Samsung” herein. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Ltd. SECL controls an integrated global enterprise 7 comprising itself and other entities..R.” including SEAI. Jung-gu. 15 with its principal place of business located at 85 Challenger Rd. 7. SEAI “is a nongovernmental corporate entity” with SECL as its “parent 19 company. According to Defendant Samsung 9 Electronics Co. 14 29.P. Defendants SECL and SEAI are referred to individually and collectively herein as 27 “Samsung..R. SECL manufactured. as well as the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. organized under the laws of New York. with its principal place of business at Samsung Main Building 250. SECL’s 2008 Annual Report contained an organizational chart depicting the tight 22 control SECL exercises over its various business segments. Korea.C. According to Defendant Samsung Electronics America. During the Conspiracy KLEE. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 corporate entity located in South Korea.” During the Conspiracy Period. 6 Taepyeongno 2-ga. Inc. 25 as “the Company. The independent auditor’s report 24 incorporated in the Annual Report refers to SECL and its “controlled subsidiaries. Inc. the Trustee is alleging that one or more 28 employees or agents of entities within the Samsung corporate family engaged in conspiratorial acts 9 CASE NO. 216]. Ridgefield Park. SECL “is a nongovernmental 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. SEAI manufactured.’s F. TUCHIN. 3 D. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Period. Samsung Defendants 4 28. Seoul 100-742. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 11 of 65 1 conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts.. including Defendant Samsung Electronics America. Ltd. 8 (“SEAI”). sold and/or distributed ODDs 20 throughout the United States and imported ODDs into the United States.C.” and has no parent corporation.” 26 31.1 Disclosure Statement and Certification of Interested Entities 10 or Persons Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 3-16 [Docket No. with the “Digital Media & 23 Communications Business” reporting directly to SECL’s CEO. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. Defendant SEAI is a subsidiary of SECL. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and LOS ANGELES. nor did they 2 distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate family.’s F. 81]. 21 30. New Jersey 16 07660. 7.1 Disclosure 17 Statement and Certification of Interested Entities or Persons Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 3-16 18 [Docket No.
Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 12 of 65 1 on behalf of SECL and/or SEAI. It does not appear that Philips North 23 America filed a corporate disclosure statement in the MDL proceeding. 7 E. During the Conspiracy Period. nor did they distinguish between and among the entities 6 within a corporate family. Philips North America 28 10 CASE NO. sold.. Philips Defendants 8 32.” Royal Philips manufactured. the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts did not always know the 5 corporate affiliation of their counterparts.. and/or (to the extent relevant) the Toshiba-Samsung Joint 2 Venture. Defendant Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation (“PLDS”). Defendant Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.S.” and with PLDS. According to Defendants Koninklijke Philips N. Defendant Philips North America is a Delaware corporation with its principal place 21 of business located at 3000 Minuteman Rd. TUCHIN. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 America”).’s Amended Rule 7. Andover. including Defendant Philips Electronics North America Corporation (“Philips North KLEE.1 Disclosure Statement [Docket No. The Samsung corporate family and each constituent member thereof were represented 3 by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the agreements reached by such 4 agents. Philips North 22 America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Philips. and Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions U. and Defendant LOS ANGELES. (“PLDS USA. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 entities. the “Philips-Lite- 14 On Joint Venture”). 3:15-cv-04767-HSG. Massachusetts 01810. 20 33. 4 in Case No.” Docket No.. Inc. Lite-On IT Corporation. but a recent disclosure 24 statement filed in another case pending in this District avers that Royal Philips is Philips North 25 America’s “ultimate parent company. Royal Philips “is a 17 nongovernmental corporate entity located in the Netherlands” that “does not have a parent 18 corporation. 16 Inc. the 10 Netherlands.A. (“Royal Philips”) is a Dutch 9 company with its principal place of business at Groenewoudsweg 1. Royal Philips controls an integrated global enterprise comprised of it and other 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.V. 15 Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions USA. 26 the Philips 2014 Annual Report lists Philips North America among the “materially wholly owned 27 subsidiaries” of the Philips Group. In fact. Similarly. and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United 19 States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. 1076]. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Einhoven 5261BA.
A. Defendant PLDS is a business entity organized under the laws of Taiwan. Taipei. Inc. is a joint venture created by the Philips corporate 6 family and the Lite-On corporate family. and the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. The Philips corporate family and each 28 constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was 11 CASE NO. PLDS “is a 9 joint venture between [Royal Philips] and [Lite-On IT]. marketing. Neihu. and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be LOS ANGELES. established in March 2007. 23 36. and the Philips-Lite-On Joint 24 Venture are referred to individually and collectively herein as “Philips. 15 with its principal place of business located at 42000 Christy Street. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 imported into the United States. with Philips owning 51% and Lite-On 10 owning 49%. Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation. sales.S. with its 4 principal place of business located at 16F. Fremont.1 Disclosure Statement [Docket No.” PLDS’s operations include design. 18 Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation. 3 34. KLEE. According to Defendants Koninklijke Philips N. 5 R. 392. PLDS USA manufactured.. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 13 of 65 1 manufactured.V.” When referring to 25 “Philips” herein.’s Amended Rule 7.1 Disclosure Statement [Docket No. and Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions U. 19 Inc. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT .’s Amended Rule 7.S. 114. According to Defendants Koninklijke Philips N. Defendant PLDS USA is a business entity organized under the laws of Delaware. During a portion of the Conspiracy Period. 21 and/or distributed ODDs to customers throughout the United States and imported ODDs into the 22 United States.A.. 1076]... Philips North 27 America. and Philips & Lite-On Digital 8 Solutions U. customer 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Ruey Kuang Road. sold.” During a portion of the Conspiracy Period. 16 PLDS USA is a subsidiary PLDS and serves customers in the North American and Latin 17 American regions. PLDS USA “is a wholly owned 20 subsidiary of PLDS. and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused 2 ODDs to be imported into the United States. Philips North America. development.O.V. 1076]. California 94538. PLDS. and service of ODDs. TUCHIN. Defendants Royal Philips. Lite-On IT Corporation. PLDS manufactured. sold. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 support. Lite- 7 On IT Corporation. the Trustee is alleging that one or more employees or agents of entities within the 26 Philips corporate family engaged in conspiratorial acts on behalf of Royal Philips. 14 35. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 sold. Taiwan.C.
1076].A. Lite-On Sales is a wholly- 21 owned and controlled subsidiary of Lite-On IT. and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused 18 ODDs to be imported into the United States. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 14 of 65 1 party to the agreements reached by such agents. Per the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended 8 December 31. and Philips & Lite-On Digital 14 Solutions U. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 On IT Corporation. into which Light-On IT subsequently merged. Lite-On 28 Sales is listed as an 100%-owned investee of Lite-On Technology Corporation..S. (“Lite-On IT”) is a business entity organized under the 6 laws of Taiwan with its principal place of business located at 12F. Lite-On IT controls an integrated global enterprise comprised of it 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 well as the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. Lite-On 17 IT manufactured. In fact. Fremont. including Defendant Lite-On Sales & Distribution Inc. Taiwan. Defendant Lite-On Sales is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of 20 business located at 42000 Christy Street.V. 4 F. 7 Taipei 114. Lite-On Defendants 5 37. in the 26 Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31. sold. and its “Main 12 CASE NO. Lite- LOS ANGELES. as well 25 as consumer electronics appliances for [the] home entertainment environment.’s Amended Rule 7. as KLEE. Lite-On IT was merged with and into Lite-On Technology 10 Corporation on June 30. Lite-On IT “is a 15 nongovernmental corporate entity located in Taiwan” and is 99% owned by Lite-On Technology 16 Corporation. and “manufactures and markets optical storage drives for personal computers.. Ruey Kuang Road. the individual participants in the 2 conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts.C. 19 38. Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation. but Bloomberg (a third-party purveyor of 23 business information and intelligence) reports that Lite-On Sales “operates as a subsidiary” of 24 Lite-On IT. nor did they 3 distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate family. (“Lite-On Sales”). 392. 2014 and 2013 and 27 Independent Auditors’ Report for Lite-On Technology Corporation and Subsidiaries. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . California 94538. R. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 and other entities.1 Disclosure Statement [Docket No. During the Conspiracy Period. Inc.” Similarly. According to Defendants Koninklijke Philips N. 2014. Defendant Lite-On IT Corp. 2014 and 2013 and Independent Auditors’ Report for Lite-On Technology 9 Corporation and Subsidiaries. It does not appear that Lite-On Sales filed a 22 corporate disclosure statement in the MDL proceeding.O. Neihu. TUCHIN.
and/or 5 distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the 6 United States. Defendants’ Relationships 17 40. Each Defendant or co-conspirator that is a 23 subsidiary of a foreign parent acted as the United States agent for ODDs made by its parent 24 company.” The remark adjacent to that entry indicates that 2 “Lite-On IT Corporation was dissolved after merging with the Parent Company [Lite-On 3 Technology Corporation] in June 2014” such that “Lite-On IT’s subsidiaries became directly held 4 by the Parent Company. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the agreements LOS ANGELES.” see 28 supra ¶ 36. 16 G. the Trustee is alleging that 9 one or more employees or agents of entities within the Lite-On corporate family engaged in 10 conspiratorial acts on behalf of Lite-On IT and/or Lite-On Sales. Each of Defendants named herein acted as the agent of. When the Trustee refers to a corporate family or companies by a single name (such 27 as “Sony.” see supra ¶ 31. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 reached by such agents. co-conspirator with.” When referring to “Lite-On” herein. other Defendants and co-conspirators with respect to the acts. The Lite-On corporate family and each constituent member thereof KLEE. violations 22 of law. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . agents. employees. The conduct alleged herein was carried out by Defendants and their co- 18 conspirators’ officers. and common course of conduct alleged herein. In fact. Lite-On Sales manufactured. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 15 of 65 1 Business” is listed as “Sale of optical disc drives. “Toshiba. or representatives while engaged in the usual 19 management of their businesses. 20 41. and “Lite-On. “Philips.” see supra ¶ 20. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. sold. the Trustee is alleging conduct by one or more 13 CASE NO. “Samsung. Defendants are also liable for acts done in furtherance of the alleged conspiracy by 25 companies they acquired through mergers and acquisitions.” see supra ¶ 27. or for. and/or (to the extent relevant) the 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.” see supra ¶ 39).” During the Conspiracy Period. TUCHIN. nor did they distinguish between and 15 among the entities within a corporate family. or 21 joint venturer of. the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts did not 14 always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. Defendants Lite-On IT and Lite-On Sales are referred to individually and 8 collectively herein as “Lite-On. 7 39. 26 42.
3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 43. the Court granted final 27 approval to a class action settlement to which the following are bound: “All individuals and 28 entities who. 6 The individuals who participated in the conspiratorial meetings. for example. and did so on behalf of the entire Philips corporate family 5 (including each of Royal Philips. and the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture). their 10 respective corporate families. 17 with products sold by the former at the unlawfully agreed-upon price and those sold by the latter at 18 a market price. an 2 allegation that “Philips” attended a conspiratorial meeting is an allegation that one or more 3 employees or agents of Royal Philips. In a conspiracy of this nature. Nonetheless. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator Hitachi 23 44. 26 45. these subsidiaries played a significant 14 role in the conspiracy. By order entered September 23. discussions and communications 7 did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 direct purchasers or engaged in collusive bidding strategies. As a result. Lite-On IT) and others out of the conspiracy (e. during the period from January 1. 22 H. these individuals entered into 9 agreements on behalf of. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the agreements reached by such agents. discussions and communications to. Philips North America.. a participating corporate family (such as 15 Lite-On. for example) cannot pick and choose among owned and controlled affiliates to keep some 16 entities in the conspiracy (e. and reported these meetings.g. To the extent that subsidiaries within the corporate families distributed ODDs to LOS ANGELES. purchased 14 CASE NO.g. 2004 through December 31. nor did they distinguish 8 between the entities within a corporate family. Thus. Various persons and/or entities not named as Defendants in this Complaint 24 participated as co-conspirators in the conspiracy alleged herein and performed acts and made 25 statements in furtherance thereof. Thus. discussions. 1006]. 2013 [Docket No. 2011…. Philips North America. the entire corporate family was represented by its 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. and communications between and among the corporate 20 families. knowing participants in the 21 alleged conspiracy. Such entity-specific conduct would undercut the pricing agreements reached by 19 and through the meetings. and/or the Philips-Lite-On Joint 4 Venture attended such meeting.. KLEE. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 16 of 65 1 employees or agents of entities within the referenced corporate family. TUCHIN. all entities within the corporate families were active. Lite-On Sales).
(“Hitachi America”) and the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. or their affiliates. Inc. Co-conspirator Hitachi is a business entity organized under the laws of Japan with 8 its principal executive office at 6-6. During the Conspiracy Period. Co-conspirator Hitachi America is a New York business entity with its principal 14 place of business located at 50 Prospect Avenue. their subsidiaries. HLDS Korea 28 15 CASE NO. (“Hitachi”) [Docket No. 4 (“LG Electronics”) and LG Electronics USA. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 47. Ltd. Tokyo 100-8280. formed in November 2000. Hitachi America 16 manufactured.” and with HLDS. Ltd. sold and/or 22 distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the 23 United States. Seoul. that is owned 21 51% by Hitachi and 49% by LG. 18 48. Co-conspirator HLDS Korea is a business entity organized under the laws of South 25 Korea with its principal place of business located at LG Gasan Digital Center. 22-23 Kaigan 3-Chome. Inc. (“HLDS”) and Hitachi-LG Data Storage Korea. Hitachi manufactured. (“LG Electronic USA”) [Docket No. 1008]. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and KLEE. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused 17 ODDs to be imported into the United States. During the Conspiracy 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 153-803 Korea. TUCHIN. 24 49. LOS ANGELES. Inc. HLDS is a joint venture. (“HLDS 6 Korea. Japan. Tokyo. Co-conspirator HLDS is a business entity organized under the laws of Japan with its 19 principal place of business located at 4F MSC Center Building. 459-9 Gasan-dong. Inc. 9 Hitachi controls an integrated global enterprise comprised of it and other entities. 108-0022. Japan. which were Hitachi.” Final judgment was entered in favor of the 3 settling entities. Hitachi America 15 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi. Tarrytown. Minato- 20 Ku. Marunouchi 1-chome. including Hitachi 10 America. New York 10591. 26 Geumcheon-gu. 7 46. Chiyoda-ku. the “Hitachi-LG Joint Venture”) [Docket No. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 Period. HLDS manufactured. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. During the Conspiracy Period. During the Conspiracy Period. 1009]. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 17 of 65 1 Optical Disk Drives and Optical Disk Drive Devices in the United States directly from the 2 [settling entities]. LG Electronics. and 5 Hitachi-LG Data Storage. 1007]. HLDS Korea is part of a joint venture formed in January 27 2001 and is owned 51% by Hitachi and 49% by LG.
CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 the Trustee is alleging that one or more employees or agents of entities within the Hitachi 14 corporate family engaged in conspiratorial acts on behalf of Hitachi. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs 2 to be imported into the United States. the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts did not 18 always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. Englewood Cliffs. Hitachi America. New 16 CASE NO. In fact. Yeoui-daero. Co-conspirator LG Electronics is a business entity organized under the laws of 22 South Korea. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 51.” Hitachi reports financial data for the Hitachi-LG 9 Joint Venture in its consolidated annual financial results. Co-conspirator LG Electronics USA is a business entity organized under the laws 28 of Delaware. nor did they distinguish between and 19 among the entities within a corporate family. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 18 of 65 1 manufactured. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 4 HLDS is a “subsidiary” of Hitachi. including LG Electronics USA. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 referred to individually and collectively herein as “Hitachi. The Hitachi corporate family and each constituent member thereof 16 were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the agreements 17 reached by such agents. 20 I. Seoul. During the Conspiracy Period. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator LG 21 52. with its principal place of business at 1000 Sylvan Avenue. and/or the 15 Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. TUCHIN. 25 LG Electronics manufactured. LOS ANGELES. with its principal place of business at LG Twin Tower 128. According to Hitachi’s SEC Form 20-F for the fiscal year ending March 31. 23 Yeongdeungpo-gu.” When referring to “Hitachi” herein. 2009. Hitachi America. where it indicates that its “Optical Disk 10 Drive operations” are conducted by the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. 2010. Co-conspirators Hitachi. and the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture are KLEE. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and 26 directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. 27 53. 3 50. LG Electronics controls an integrated global enterprise 24 comprised of it and other entities. Hitachi 5 disclosed that “a subsidiary” in Japan and “a subsidiary” in Korea were targets of investigations by 6 various countries’ antitrust agencies with respect to antitrust violations relating to ODDs and that 7 these investigations might result in private actions being brought “against Hitachi” and could have a 8 “material adverse effect on Hitachi’s business. In its SEC Form 6-K dated November 16. Korea.
Oaza Kodoma.”) and Panasonic Corporation of North America 21 (“PCNA”) [Docket No. 2004 until at least January 1. during the period from January 1. 5 54. (“Matsushita”). which 20 were Panasonic Corporation (“Panasonic Corp. The LG corporate family and each constituent 10 member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Co-conspirators LG Electronics and LG Electronics USA are referred to 6 individually and collectively herein as “LG. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 between and among the entities within a corporate family. Panasonic Corp. LG Electronics USA is a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of LG 2 Electronics. By order entered May 15. Co-conspirator Panasonic Corp. 25 Panasonic Corp. manufactured. Until October 1. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator Panasonic 15 55. Panasonic Corp. LG Electronics USA manufactured. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 19 of 65 1 Jersey 07632. In fact. 2010… purchased 18 one or more Optical Disk Drives in the United States directly from the [settling entities].” When referring to “LG” herein. 24 2008. was known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. 1266].. sold and/or 3 distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the 4 United States. nor did they distinguish LOS ANGELES. During the Conspiracy Period. and/or (to the 9 extent relevant) the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. Ltd. the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts KLEE. their 19 subsidiaries. controls an integrated global enterprise comprised of it and other entities. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 agreements reached by such agents. 22 56.” Final judgment was entered in favor of the settling entities. the Trustee is 7 alleging that one or more employees or agents of entities within the LG corporate family engaged 8 in conspiratorial acts on behalf of LG Electronics and/or LG Electronics USA. or their affiliates. Japan. the Court granted final 16 approval to a class action settlement to which the following are bound: “All individuals and 17 entities who. TUCHIN. 2014 [Docket No. 14 J. is a Japanese entity with its principal place of 23 business located at 1006. During the Conspiracy Period. 26 including PCNA. 1267]. 17 CASE NO. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Osaka 571-8501. Kadoma-shi. sold and/or 27 distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the 28 United States.
Co-conspirator NEC Corporation. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate family. is 27 referred to herein as “NEC. the individual participants in the KLEE. 14 K. 2014 [Docket No. Minato-ku. PCNA manufactured. the Trustee is alleging 8 that one or more employees or agents of entities within the LG corporate family engaged in 9 conspiratorial acts on behalf of Panasonic Corp. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. NEC Corporation manufactured. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator NEC 15 59.” When referring to “Panasonic” herein. or their affiliates. is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at Two Riverfront Plaza. their 19 subsidiaries. Shiba 5-chome. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . nor did they LOS ANGELES. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 20 of 65 1 57. and distributed 24 ODDs to customers throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into 25 the United States. 1390]. 1389]. 3 Newark. and PCNA are referred to individually and 7 collectively herein as “Panasonic. New Jersey 07102. In fact.” When referring to “NEC” herein. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 and was party to the agreements reached by such agents. the Court granted final 16 approval to a class action settlement to which the following are bound: “All individuals and 17 entities who. NEC 20 Corporation [Docket No. together with its subsidiaries and affiliates. 21 60. formerly known as Matsushita Electric Corporation of 2 America. The Panasonic corporate family 10 and each constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. sold. During the Conspiracy Period. Co-conspirators Panasonic Corp. TUCHIN. Co-conspirator NEC Corporation is a business entity organized under the laws of 22 Japan with its principal place of business located at 7-1. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the 5 United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States.” Final judgment was entered in favor of the settling entity. 4 During the Conspiracy Period. and/or PCNA. Co-conspirator PCNA. Japan. the Trustee is alleging that one or 28 more employees or agents of entities within the NEC corporate family engaged in conspiratorial 18 CASE NO. PCNA is a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of Panasonic Corp. By order entered August 14. during the period from January 1. 26 61. 2010 … purchased 18 one or more Optical Disk Drives in the United States directly from the [settling entity]. 6 58. 2004 until at least January 1. Tokyo 108- 23 8001.
including TEAC America.. nor did they 25 distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate family. manufactured. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused 17 ODDs to be imported into the United States. TUCHIN. The TEAC corporate family 22 and each constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct 23 and was party to the agreements reached by such agents. LOS ANGELES. In fact. the Trustee is alleging that one 20 or more employees or agents of entities within the TEAC corporate family engaged in 21 conspiratorial acts on behalf of TEAC Corp. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 Corp. California 90640. Montebello. controls an integrated global enterprise comprised of it and other 10 entities. (“Quanta Storage”) is a business entity 28 organized under the laws of Taiwan. with its principal place of business at 3F No. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . nor did they distinguish 5 between and among the entities within a corporate family. 188. The NEC corporate family and each constituent member 2 thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the 3 agreements reached by such agents. TEAC Corp. Inc. TEAC 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 63. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 21 of 65 1 acts on behalf of NEC Corporation. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. and TEAC America are referred to individually and 19 collectively herein as “TEAC. and/or TEAC America. 26 M. TEAC America 16 manufactured. Japan.” When referring to “TEAC” herein. (“TEAC America”). Tama-shi. Co-conspirator Quanta Storage. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly KLEE. During the Conspiracy Period. Co-conspirator TEAC America is a California corporation with its principal place 14 of business at 7733 Telegraph Rd. During the Conspiracy Period. 18 64. Tokyo 206- 9 8530. Co-conspirators TEAC Corp. 6 L. with its principal place of business at 1-47 Ochiai. Co-conspirator TEAC Corporation (“TEAC Corp. In fact. Wenhua 19 CASE NO. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator TEAC 7 62. TEAC America is a wholly- 15 owned and controlled subsidiary of TEAC Corp.”) is a business entity organized 8 under the laws of Japan. the individual participants in the 24 conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator Quanta 27 65. Inc. the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts 4 did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts.
sold. Sharp Corporation manufactured. During the Conspiracy Period. CA 94538. the Trustee is alleging LOS ANGELES. During the Conspiracy Period. 22 Japan. including Quanta Storage America. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 that one or more employees or agents of entities within the Quanta corporate family engaged in 14 conspiratorial acts on behalf of Quanta Corp. 25 69. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 22 of 65 1 2nd Rd. Guishan Shiang. and/or distributed 23 ODDs to customers throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into 24 the United States. the Trustee is alleging that one or 27 more employees or agents of entities within the Sharp corporate family engaged in conspiratorial 28 acts on behalf of Sharp Corporation. Abeno-ku. Co-conspirators Quanta Storage and Quanta America are referred to individually KLEE. The Sharp corporate family and each constituent member 20 CASE NO. Co-conspirator Sharp Corporation. Fremont. The Quanta corporate 15 family and each constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such 16 conduct and was party to the agreements reached by such agents.” When referring to “Quanta” herein. Taoyuan County 333. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator Sharp 20 68. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 and collectively herein as “Quanta. Co-conspirator Quanta America is a California corporation with its principal place 7 of business in 2726 Bayview Dr. Quanta America 9 manufactured. is 26 referred to herein as “Sharp. Osaka 545-8522. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . In fact. 19 N.” When referring to “Sharp” herein. with its principal place of business at 22-22 Nagaike-cho. During the Conspiracy Period.. nor did they distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate family. Co-conspirator Sharp Corporation is a business entity organized under the laws of 21 Japan. 6 66. TUCHIN. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 67. Taiwan. together with its subsidiaries and affiliates. Quanta Storage controls an integrated 2 global enterprise comprised of it and other entities.. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs 10 to be imported into the United States. Quanta Storage manufactured. sold and/or 4 distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the 5 United States. 3 (“Quanta America”). 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Inc. the individual 17 participants in the conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of their 18 counterparts. and/or Quanta America. Quanta America is a wholly-owned and 8 controlled subsidiary of Quanta Storage.
Co-conspirator Pioneer Taiwan is a Taiwanese company with its principal place of 25 business at 13th Floor. Pioneer North 16 America is a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of Pioneer Corp. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 23 of 65 1 thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct and was party to the 2 agreements reached by such agents. Sec. manufactured. manufactured. Pioneer High Fidelity Taiwan Co. 24 73. During the Conspiracy 17 Period. Long Beach. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Kanagawa 212-0031. During 26 the Conspiracy Period.C. Pioneer Corp. Pioneer Corp. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 Ltd. 28 21 CASE NO. nor did they distinguish 4 between and among the entities within a corporate family. Pioneer USA is a wholly- 21 owned and controlled subsidiary of Pioneer North America. manufactured. including Pioneer North America. 5 O. 2. TUCHIN. Japan. Co-conspirator Pioneer North America is a Delaware corporation with its principal 15 place of business at 1925 E Dominguez Street. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator Pioneer 6 70. controls an integrated global 9 enterprise comprised of it and other entities. Saiwai- 8 ku. California 90810. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 throughout the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. No. During the Conspiracy Period.. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout 18 the United States and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. R. Taipei. 22 Pioneer USA designed. 14 71. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . the individual participants in the conspiratorial acts 3 did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts.O. In fact. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States 23 and directly caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. Chung Shan North Road. Pioneer North America designed. and Pioneer Digital Design & Manufacturing Company (“PDDMC”). 19 72. California 90810. KLEE. Co-conspirator Pioneer USA is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of 20 business at 1925 E Dominguez Street. sold and/or distributed ODDs LOS ANGELES. 44. (“Pioneer Taiwan”). Kawasaki-shi. Inc. with its principal place of business at 1-1 Shin-ogura. Taiwan. (“Pioneer North 10 America”). Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Co-conspirator Pioneer Corporation (“Pioneer Corp. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 During the Conspiracy Period. (“Pioneer USA”). Long Beach. Pioneer Taiwan designed and/or manufactured ODDs with the intent and 27 agreement to distribute throughout the United States.”) is a business entity 7 organized under the laws of Japan.
26 manufactured. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 respect to such conduct and was party to the agreements reached by such agents. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 corporate family and each constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with KLEE. Co-conspirator PDDMC. 16 P. In fact. 6 75. BenQ Corp. BenQ Corp. Pioneer North America. nor did they distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate 15 family. BenQ Corp. Pioneer 7 Taiwan. Kawasaki-shi. is a business entity organized under the laws of Taiwan.. Pioneer USA. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly 5 caused ODDs to be imported into the United States. TUCHIN. with its principal 19 place of business at 16 Jehu Rd. Taiwan.”).” When 8 referring to “Pioneer” herein. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Japan. which was renamed the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. 2 is a business entity organized under the laws of Japan. now operating under the name 18 QISDA Corporation. and PDDMC are referred to individually and collectively herein as “Pioneer. Taipei 114.’s ODD business and eventually replaced BenQ Corp. 23 In April 2006. a joint venture owned 66% by Pioneer and 34% by Sharp. 24 in the BenQ-Philips Joint Venture. Neihu. sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and directly caused 27 ODDs to be imported into the United States. Pioneer Taiwan. and/or PDDMC. the Trustee is alleging that one or more employees or agents of 9 entities within the Pioneer corporate family engaged in conspiratorial acts on behalf of Pioneer 10 Corp. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 individual participants in the conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of 14 their counterparts.. Co-conspirator BenQ Corporation (“BenQ Corp. the LOS ANGELES. During 25 the Conspiracy Period. including BenQ America Corporation (“BenQ 21 America”). During the Conspiracy Period. Pioneer North America. separately or through the BenQ-Philips Joint Venture. The Pioneer 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Saiwai-ku. Kanagawa 212-0031. 4 PDDMC manufactured. Non-Defendant Co-Conspirator BenQ 17 76. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 24 of 65 1 74. Co-conspirators Pioneer Corp. controls an integrated 20 global enterprise comprised of it and other entities. with its principal place of business at 1-1 3 Shin-ogura.. Lite-On acquired BenQ Corp. 28 22 CASE NO.. In February 2003. formed a joint venture with Philips to manufacture and 22 distribute ODDs that was called BenQ Philips Digital Storage (the “BenQ-Philips Joint Venture”). Pioneer USA.
Suite A205. camcorders. 19 IV. Irvine. manufactured to be incorporated into products 24 including notebook and desktop computers. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 distinguish between and among the entities within a corporate family. and BenQ America are referred to individually and 7 collectively herein as “BenQ. Optical disc drives. In fact. Co-conspirator BenQ America is a California corporation with its principal place of 2 business at 15375 Barranca. digital versatile discs (“DVDs”). The BenQ corporate family 10 and each constituent member thereof were represented by their agents with respect to such conduct 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Broadly speaking. 14 Q. to Blu-ray discs. Other Members of the Conspiracy 15 79. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . or they can be 25 external drives that connect to consumer electronics by means of an external interface. are devices that allow data to be read from and/or 22 written to optical discs. The ODD market has been one of the fastest growing markets in the electronics 28 industry. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 conspiratorial acts did not always know the corporate affiliation of their counterparts. California 92618. to DVDs. the individual participants in the KLEE. and Blu- 23 ray discs (“BDs”). THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 and was party to the agreements reached by such agents. and the Trustee reserves the right to identify additional co-conspirators. BenQ 4 America manufactured. During the Conspiracy Period. ODDs can be internal drives. the Trustee is alleging that one 8 or more employees or agents of entities within the BenQ corporate family engaged in 9 conspiratorial acts on behalf of BenQ Corp. optical disc formats evolved from CDs. other business entities were co-conspirators with 16 Defendants in their unlawful restraint of trade. BenQ America is a wholly- 3 owned and controlled subsidiary of Defendant BenQ Corp. On information and belief. such as compact discs (“CDs”). sold and/or distributed ODDs throughout the United States and imported 5 ODDs into the United States. 23 CASE NO. such as a 26 Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connection. Co-conspirators BenQ Corp. and/or BenQ America. The Trustee’s investigation into the identities of co- 17 conspirators is ongoing. 27 81. nor did they LOS ANGELES. 18 including in its discovery responses and expert reports in this matter. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS 20 A. TUCHIN. Relevant Background 21 80. and videogame consoles. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 25 of 65 1 77. 6 78.” When referring to “BenQ” herein. or ODDs.
e. The ODD market has consistently faced downward pricing pressures.. the price of this 16 technology began to decline. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 small group of manufacturers. As Defendants and their co-conspirators 15 improved their ability to manufacture ODDs more efficiently and at a lower cost. but especially after 2000. some of which included most 26 favored nations clauses. (5) the use of auctions for supply contracts. During the Conspiracy Period. and then to rewritable (i. and Acts Indicative Of. (2) joint ventures and other collaborations. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 83. 9 82. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Defendants and their co-conspirators controlled more than 90% of the ODD market.e. 23 including but not limited to: (1) market concentration. During the Conspiracy Period. and other digital data and were a standard component on computers 6 in the United States. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 26 of 65 1 Drives for each type of optical disc evolved from read-only technology (i. 24 (3) significant barriers to entry (including patent pools). TUCHIN. as discussed in further detail below. has been dominated by a 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 7 Defendants and their co-conspirators shipped hundreds of millions of ODDs each year. generating 8 billions of dollars in annual revenues. movies. to recordable. However. and 5 playing back music. drives that could read 2 data recorded to the disc during the manufacturing process but lacked the capability to record data 3 to the disc). Collusion 21 84. whereby Defendants and their co-conspirators could and did collude. In large part due to the increasing popularity of personal computers. Throughout its history. LOS ANGELES. 20 B. (4) common trade associations and 25 business organizations. Structural Market Factors Favoring. which requires 10 significant technical resources and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Defendants and their co-conspirators colluded to fix 17 prices. the ODD market exhibited several factors that 22 contributed to the ability of Defendants and their co-conspirators to carry out their conspiracy. and allocate markets and customers in order 18 to stabilize ODD prices and prevent them from dropping as quickly as they would have in a 19 competitive market. ODDs served as the principal means for recording. including as 14 a result of technological advances in ODD technology. allowing for multiple re-recordings). 28 24 CASE NO. storing. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . KLEE. and 27 (6) the standardization of ODDs. rig auctions for the supply of ODDs to OEMs. the ODD market. 4 During the Conspiracy Period..
and 28 25 CASE NO. The ODD industry has experienced significant consolidation. These alliances included: 16 • The Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. 24 • The Sony-NEC joint venture. TUCHIN. 9 2. As manufacturing 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 27 of 65 1 1.23 billion and 3 approximately 303. 14 Taiwanese and Korean Defendants partnered with the patent holders through strategic alliances 15 and joint ventures.” a memorandum of understanding signed in May 22 2003 that led to acts of price-fixing of ODDs. 2000 in Tokyo. founded in February 2003 and specializing in the manufacture of DVD+RW 20 ODDs. the global market for ODDs was worth approximately $9. 26 • Lite-On’s acquisition of BenQ’s ODD production facilities in 2006. Despite its large size. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 migrated toward lower-cost drive makers in Korea and Taiwan between 2001 and 2003. In 2005. the ODD market is highly concentrated and dominated by a 6 small group of suppliers. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Joint Ventures and Other Collaboration 10 87. According to some market estimates. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 rights. early KLEE. 23 • The Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. formed on November 1. Japan. established in April 2004. formed in March 2007. 21 • The Sony & Lite-On “Alliance. formed in 2006. 17 • JVC Lite-On IT Manufacturing & Sales Ltd. 19 • PBDS.8 million units were shipped. which was followed by NEC’s 25 transfer of its stock to Sony in September of 2008. a production and marketing company 18 founded in October 2001 in Hong Kong. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Japanese manufacturers still held key competitive advantages in the form of intellectual property LOS ANGELES. According to published reports. the ODD 4 industry currently generates yearly worldwide revenues in excess of $8 billion. 5 86. 27 • Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation. To mitigate the high cost of royalty payments for licensing this intellectual property.. This concentrated market was conducive to and facilitated the collusive 7 conduct alleged herein. the ODD industry was dominated by 8 Defendants and their co-conspirators during the Conspiracy Period. Market Concentration 2 85.
Efficient manufacturing plants are large 28 and costly. 3 88. As a third example. stated that “Philips and Lite-On in the future will target at 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. TEAC entered into an ODD co- 18 development arrangement with Royal Philips. in 2000. 14 90. the ODD market was characterized by high 27 manufacturing costs and technological barriers to entry. As Gerald Cavanagh.” According to a press report. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 28 of 65 1 • PDDMC. Quanta has manufactured 19 ODDs for the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture and Sony. the joint venture was formed because 7 “[t]here was a feeling that those two complementary strengths [of Sony and NEC] would make 8 more sense in a joint venture than competing against each other. As another example. news reports in November 16 2004 indicated that Lite-On would produce more non-Blu-ray ODDs for Sony so that Sony could 17 focus its efforts on Blu-rays. Similarly. The mutually beneficial nature of the business relations between and among certain 4 Defendants and their co-conspirators provided the opportunity for their parent entities to conspire 5 and created a financial incentive to do so. The joint ventures and other collaborations among Defendants and their co- 21 conspirators enabled them to force most of Taiwan’s second-tier manufacturers and almost all 22 Chinese manufacturers out of the ODD industry. a Sony spokesman in Tokyo. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Lite-On Joint Venture would maintain steady profits and a minimum gross margin by refusing LOS ANGELES. the latter result was particularly anticompetitive 23 because Chinese manufacturers had lower labor costs. Barriers to Entry 26 92. Tseng Huan-Xiong. a market reality that normally would enable 24 a manufacturer to drive down prices on products such as ODDs. For example. one defendant or co-conspirator 15 produced ODDs for another defendant or co-conspirator. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 making profits and avoid price wars. after the formation of the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. TUCHIN.” 9 89. Tseng stated that the Philips- KLEE. the venture’s 10 general manager. and ODD manufacturers incurred significant research and development expenses. 26 CASE NO. At various points during the Conspiracy Period. Throughout the Conspiracy Period. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 low-priced orders and not participating in price-cutting competition. 20 91. 25 3. the joint venture between Pioneer and Sharp that was announced in June 2 2009 and finalized in November 2009. 6 explained when announcing the formation of Sony NEC.
21 96. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 [the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture] a leading company in the Blu-ray KLEE. LG Electronics is excited to join the most professional licensing organization in the field 26 of optical storage patent licensing and will consider future cooperation with the same partners in 27 other optical storage programs in which LG Electronics has important patent portfolios…. LG joined the group in July 2003. particularly in the PC market. its Chairman and CEO. core members of the DVD “+” 22 camp. the Philips-Lite-On Joint 7 Venture noted the importance of access to patents on its website with respect to Blu-ray drives: 8 [The Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture] is one of the few companies in the ODD 9 industry that has access to an extensive Blu-ray patent portfolio and a large 10 Optical Disc Drive production facility. typically pursuant to a prearranged formula. Establishing these important 5 relationships with patent holders was difficult for low-volume manufacturers of ODDs. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Optical Disc Drive marketplace. Combining these two aspects makes 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.5% of the net selling price for each 27 CASE NO. ODD sellers’ strong relationships with patent holders for component technology 4 posed yet another barrier to entry. The licensees pay royalties to the administrator and the resulting 20 revenue is allocated among members of the pool. Sony. For example. these structures have often 17 taken the form of patent pools whereby competitors pool their patents and grant a license with 18 sublicensing rights to a license administrator (typically a member of the pool) who issues licenses 19 to manufacturers of ODDs. 3 94. Other traditional ODD manufacturers will LOS ANGELES. making it 6 difficult for them to compete effectively in the market. Pioneer and Philips. In the ODD industry. in 1998. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 29 of 65 1 93.” The 28 licensing agreement imposed a DVD player license fee of 3. TUCHIN. 15 95. Another barrier to entry was the difficulty in landing sizeable OEM orders. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . formed the DVD3c Patent Group to exploit jointly their essential DVD-ROM and video 23 patents. when John Koo. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 need to pay Blu-ray royalties to the original patent holders or outsource 14 their production of BD drives to other manufacturers. For example. OEMs 2 usually required a lengthy qualification process before entering into supply agreements. stated: “We 24 will cooperate with those companies on patent protection and patent exploitation now and in the 25 future. Further. Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ licensing structures imposed high 16 licensing costs that effectively deterred entry.
For example. 14 Sharp and Samsung joined the DVD6c Patent Pool in April 2005 and November 2006. and 9 Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Inc. 5 97. Hitachi. TUCHIN. (“Mitsubishi”). Sharp. encoders. which includes Toshiba. Commencing in June 1999. Toshiba. Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Matsushita (now Panasonic). called the DVD6c Patent Pool. Toshiba. 3 Pioneer. Sony. Matsushita. DVD-ROM 16 drives and DVD decoders were initially set at 4% of the net selling price or $4 for these items. Panasonic. The DVD6c pool now consists of 8 Hitachi. A working paper by Kenneth Flamm 26 entitled “A Tale of Two Standards: Patent Pools and Innovation in the Optical Disk Drive 27 Industry” estimated the royalty payable to four principal patent pools holding IP related to a DVD 28 recorder to be $17. and Toshiba commenced a worldwide joint licensing program for KLEE. inter alia. Mitsubishi. drives and BD/DVD 21 hybrid discs. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 patents essential for DVD-Video players. and Victor Company of Japan Ltd. DVD-ROM drives. (“Victor”). JVC. recordable discs. The DVD3c Patent Pool currently consists of Philips. the average worldwide price for a DVD burner (on an if-sold- 25 OEM basis) was $30 in 2007. 22 100. Indeed. or 68 percent of the average selling price of a DVD recorder in 2008 (and 28 CASE NO. $25 in 2008. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 30 of 65 1 player sold. the DVD6c Patent Pool controlled the licensing of 377 patents. Timer Warner. announced 19 that it had commenced a worldwide joint licensing program for patents needed for Blu-ray 20 decoders. In March 2010. In June of 1999. and Mitsubishi. members of the “-” camp formed a separate DVD-ROM and video 6 patent pool. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Panasonic. and $23 in 2009. 10 98. As of 2006. Sanyo Electric Co. recorders. the BD4C Licensing Group. Victor. The royalties charged by DVD patent pools are enormous relative to the total cost 23 of manufacturing ODDs. 7 Hitachi.. DVD decoders and DVD-Video and LOS ANGELES. read-only discs. The original DVD6c was comprised of Toshiba. Thomson 4 Multimedia. the DVD3c Patent Group controlled the licensing of 115 patents relating 2 to the manufacture of DVD players. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 DVD-ROM discs that conform to the specifications promulgated by the DVD6c Patent Pool. Samsung. The DVD6c Patent Pool royalties for licenses with respect to. 18 99. Ltd. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 including Hitachi.. 15 respectively. Time Warner. royalties account for the majority of the manufacturing cost for 24 a potential entrant. As 17 of 2006. players. leading developers of DVD technology and formats 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.
22 104. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 31 of 65 1 presumably an even larger share of its costs). On information and belief. In December 2008. 5 (“Taiyo-Yuden”) for CD-R technology.. and ordered the companies to immediately cease the illegal practices. TUCHIN. by 4 Philips. the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. the 26 Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. The ODD 25 market increasingly coalesced around an oligopoly consisting of Sony NEC (later Sony). In response to high license royalties. 3 101. and by Philips. NT$ 4 million on Sony. Because of the barrier to entry posed by onerous patent royalties. efficient 23 Taiwanese and Korean manufacturers that could not otherwise thrive in the ODD market formed 24 joint ventures with less efficient manufacturers holding intellectual property rights. Sony and Taiyo-Yuden adopted a joint licensing arrangement whereby Sony and 9 Taiyo-Yuden licensed their patent rights to Philips. Sony and Ricoh for CD-RW technology. or sell product through such members. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . patent pools were established by Sony and Philips for CD technology. procure drive kits. an analyst report in 28 2003 predicted that “the collective market share of this group will swell further to about 80%- 29 CASE NO. Sony. These costly patent pool royalties constituted a 2 significant barrier to market entry by potential competitors. Japanese companies adopted the strategy of charging high royalties to prevent 16 Taiwanese and South Korean manufacturers with superior cost controls from quickly entering the 17 DVD-ROM market. the Taiwanese Fair Trade Commission 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 6 102. Similarly. which in turn bundled the rights together for 10 licensing to other companies. 15 103. and Taiyo-Yuden Co. The history of the patent pool for CD-R technology illustrates how patent pools can 7 be used for anticompetitive collusion. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 (“TFTC”) concluded that these companies had engaged in unlawful “concerted action” and KLEE. members of the cartel controlled prices to prevent low-cost producers from cutting 21 prices. and NT$ 2 million on Taiyo 14 Yuden. To facilitate patent licensing to CD-R producers around the 8 world. The TFTC LOS ANGELES. 20 In exchange. and the BenQ-Philips Joint 27 Venture (later the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture). CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 imposed fines of NT$ 8 million on Philips. Taiwanese and South Korean ODD 18 makers sought to become part of the cartel and to tie up strategically with patent pool members 19 (who enjoy cross-licensing privileges). BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 improperly excluded competitors from the market and overcharged patent licensees. Philips. Ltd.
Hitachi. 30 CASE NO. Lite-On. these trade association meetings preceded examples of collusive pricing conduct 9 described herein.” 26 108. LG. and the 2 conspiracy controlled prices for ODDs. the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. and the United States that allowed its members to exchange 28 competitively sensitive information about ODDs. 23 Quanta. Philips.” That is what happened during the Conspiracy Period. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . the DVD Forum has held various conferences and seminars in 27 Taiwan. 19 b. improvements and innovations. Over the years. Panasonic. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. In 8 several instances. NEC. TEAC. TUCHIN. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Philips Japan Co. Panasonic. Trade Associations and Business Organizations 4 105. Defendants participated in many of these meetings and 6 events. and LOS ANGELES. Sony. DVD Trade Associations 20 107. The DVD Forum is a global group of hardware manufacturers. Among the stated purposes of CDs21 were: 14 To pursue ever more development of the industrial sector concerned by 15 striving to closely unite the technology and the contents in the area of CD 16 platform as well as by looking into future technologies. were among its members. Lite-On. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 106. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 32 of 65 1 90% over the next two years. China. Japan. KLEE. The stated purpose of the DVD Forum 24 is “to exchange and disseminate ideas and information about the DVD Format and its technical 25 capabilities. 3 4. software firms and 21 content providers formed in 1997 to promote and improve standards for the DVD format and 22 products. . Sony. .. . Pioneer. Europe. and Toshiba are all members of the DVD Forum. CD Trade Association 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. CDs21 Solutions (“CDs21”) is a trade association formed in April 2001. Various industry trade organizations and events facilitated Defendants’ and their 5 co-conspirators’ price fixing of ODDs. Samsung. To promote the 17 development of mutual businesses by fostering an environment where the 18 knowledge and information can be shared by all as a common property. ODD trade associations included the following: 10 a. which provided a forum for discussion and the exchange of information with respect to the 7 pricing and production of ODDs and had the purpose and effect of fixing prices of ODDs. Ltd. Hitachi.
The Council’s 28 membership has grown from 58 to 87 companies since the RDVDC was established a year ago. and November 19. California and chaired by Defendant Toshiba. and Messrs. sponsored a joint Pavilion at the Fall 27 COMDEX in Las Vegas. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . February 23. May 26. and Yong- 8 Chae Jeong from Samsung. Hiroyuki Okada. (f) Yoshiho Gotoh. and a Mr. 2004. 18 112. and in many instances. February 25 and September 10. The DVD Forum has a Steering Committee that met regularly. Inoue and Yamada from Pioneer. (d) 9 Yasuo Ogasawara and Hiroshi Inada from NEC. and Messrs. and February 24. 7 Yukinori Kawauchi. September 12. 2007. Murase and Kozuka from Panasonic. SECL. September 17. South Korea. 15 111. including on June 9- 2 10. Koo noted that “[t]he 26 Recordable DVD Council has held six seminars in Japan. Taiji Nishizawa. (e) Hideki Mimura. June 19. Matsushita (now Panasonic). Shinichi Tsuji. 4 September 12. (g) Messrs. Imaide. Bon-Guk Koo.” Mr. . Yoshihide 10 Fujii. These meetings took place in Japan. Taiwan.. California. 6 110. June 11.. Yoshiharu Sakurada 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. and November 15. 2009. information exchanges among Council members and 25 discussions aimed at expanding the recordable DVD market. Kun Suk Kim. Egawa from 14 Sharp. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Owashi from Hitachi. 2006. September 12 and November 29. (i) Junsaku Nakajima. Saito from Sony. Heijnemans from Philips. TUCHIN. February 28. For example. LOS ANGELES. Masatoshi Tsujimoto. . 2005. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 33 of 65 1 109. the September 10. 2009 Steering 17 Committee meeting was held in Los Angeles. 22 113. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Akira Takahashi. Ikei and a Mr. 2010. the Recordable DVD Council (“RDVDC”) was formed. Among those present at one or more of these meetings were: (a) Yutaka Komai. 31 CASE NO. France. (c) Kiyoung Lee. and (j) Matsumi Fujita. Its 58 19 general members as of August 2001 were major Japanese and Korean companies in the ODD 20 supply chain. and November 16- 3 17. and a Mr. February 27. Nakano. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 and Messrs. and Toshiba Corp. (h) a Ms. In April 2001. stated that “[t]he Council will make its chief targets 24 industry outreach at major trade shows. Hitachi Maxell 21 Ltd. February 22. and launched other promotional activities in 2001. Hiruharu Sato. (b) Young-Min Cheong. 5 2008. Noguchi. September 22 and December 1. In-Sik Park. chairman of the RDVDC and Senior Corporate Advisor and former 23 Executive Vice-President of Samsung. the Netherlands. May 24. and KLEE. . 16 Hawaii. Nishioka and Kaneda from Toshiba. and Jea-Yong Joo from LG. Ltd. The eight executive members of RDVDC included Hitachi.
21 establish standardized formats and cross license technology. 25 d. LG. stated that in order 23 to ensure that the prices of ODDs that play BDs would not fall precipitously. LG. the Optical Storage Technology Association (“OSTA”): 27 “was incorporated as an international trade association in 1992 to promote the use of recordable 28 optical technologies and products” and “includes optical product manufacturers and resellers from 32 CASE NO.” In August of 2003. optical 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. According to its website. LG. Sony. The RAM Promotion Group (“RAMPRG”). Quanta. TEAC. 10 115. and Samsung. Panasonic. 19 Philips. and all 9 of the founding members of the RAMPRG are also members of the RDVDC. The Blu-ray Disc Association (“BDA”) is a worldwide group inaugurated in 2005 18 to promote the BD format and products. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 storage and software manufacturers who in 1997 created and promoted a format standard of KLEE. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 were available in various forms. including DVD+R and DVD+RW. The DVD+RW Alliance (“Alliance”) is a group of electronic hardware. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 recordable and rewritable DVDs. As of 2004. Toshiba. the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. NEC. The BDA was created and maintained by its members to. Multiformat Trade Associations 26 118. 16 c. with members including Hitachi. includes (among 6 others) Hitachi. TEAC. formed in 2003. the RDVDC announced the establishment of the Compatibility Working 4 Group to ensure interoperability of products using RDVDC-supported recordable DVD formats. Stan Glasgow. Samsung. plus format DVDs LOS ANGELES. and Hitachi are founding board 20 members of the BDA. 7 RAMPRG is ostensibly committed to promoting the DVD-RAM format and popularizing DVD- 8 RAM related products on an international basis. Sony. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 34 of 65 1 making it the largest recordable DVD industry alliance among similar kinds of promotional 2 groups. Blu-Ray Trade Associations 17 116. and Toshiba. the BDA would not 24 be soon licensing to any manufacturers in China. 22 117. This is proof that our activities have been supported by the industry and we are proud of 3 it. RAMPRG is supported by the RDVDC. which has both a Product Promotions Group and a Compatibility & 15 Convergence Group. Sony and Philips were 14 members of the Alliance. TUCHIN. inter alia. Pioneer. In April 2008. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . the President of Sony Electronics. 5 114. known as the “plus” format.
OSTA 18 meetings were held on March 5-7. June 13-15. 22 122. Frank Simonis of Philips. 27 123. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 35 of 65 1 three continents. In 2008. and Young Yoon Kim of SECL. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Benefits of OSTA membership 7 touted on its website include: 8 • Influenc[ing] the health and direction of the industry. Attendees at one or more of these various meetings included Christopher Smith of 23 Sony Corporation. June 16-18. TUCHIN. June 11-13. LG. Yong Cheol Park of 24 LG. and Universal Disk Format. OSTA meetings were 16 held on March 2-3. and Pioneer. Maciek Brzeski of Toshiba. representing more than 85 percent of worldwide writable optical product 2 shipments. and December 3-5 in San 19 Francisco. In 2006. October 5-6. MultiPlay. OSTA meetings were held on March 17-19. OSTA works to “shape the 5 future of the industry” through regularly scheduled meetings covering a variety of industry topics 6 and an annual Optical Storage Symposium described below. September 17-19. 10 • Receiv[ing] early foresight into industry strategies. 2009 in Cupertino. Patrick Yen of Lite-On. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 120. Paul Castellana of Toshiba. 15 September 12-14 and December 5-7 in San Francisco. The last known general meeting of the OSTA took place on 21 March 16-18. California. The International Symposium of Optical Memory (“ISOM”) is an organization 28 created in Japan that is concerned with the technology of optical memory and provides an annual 33 CASE NO. 9 • Meet[ing] with industry peers for information exchange. Under the 25 guise of an industry forum. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 described below). Panasonic. Japan. 14 121. with the 17 exception of the October 5-6 meeting. Toshiba. these representatives had opportunities to meet and communicate 26 regarding the price-fixing conspiracy for ODDs. OSTA meetings were held on February 28.” 3 119. October 6-8 and 20 December 8-10 in San Francisco. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . and December 4-6 in San Francisco. which took place in Tokyo. OSTA also plays an important role in the industry through its efforts to establish KLEE. During the Conspiracy Period. OSTA’s membership included ODD manufacturers 4 such as Sony. March 1-2. Samsung. June 12-14. California. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 industry-wide specifications for optical disc and ODD technologies including MultiRead (as LOS ANGELES. In 2005. In 2007. Philips.
Taiwan.-S. M. (b) Jin-Yong Kim. (c) Ryuchi Katayama. (d) J. LG. (f) Yutaka Kahihara. Japan in May 2000 to promote rewritable optical discs. 28 34 CASE NO. and Sony subsequently joined the association. 6 Hawaii. the 2008 meeting took place on July 13-17 in Waikoloa. and A. Hirao 14 of Toshiba. Japan. KLEE. TUCHIN. Sharp. T. Hiroyuki Minemura. Masataka Shinoda. and (g) Chong Sam Cheung. Its members include Sony. 22 California office of Pioneer North America to “facilitate the exchange of information among 23 RWPPI members in North America. The founding members included 18 Hitachi Maxell Ltd. Nishitani. Atsushi Fukumoto. Yamada. van Haaren of Philips. Miyamoto. 15 Park of Samsung.M. NEC and Samsung. (e) Isao Ichimura. LOS ANGELES. Attendees at these various meetings included: (a) T. The 2004 meeting took place on October 3 11-15 at Jeju Island. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 36 of 65 1 forum at which its members can share information. and the 2010 meeting 7 occurred on October 24-28 in Hualien. Yamanaka. 9 Nakamura. H. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Higashino of Sony.M. the 2007 meeting took 5 place on October 21-25 in Singapore. Jooho Kim. and Samsung. and In-Ho Choi of LG. RWPPI’s main stated 20 activities included the exchange of various types of commercial and technical information. Lite-On. and T. 16 125. M. The RWPPI held numerous meetings at the Japanese locations of Sharp and 25 Pioneer during the Conspiracy Period. Japan. Pioneer. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 H. 4 Hawaii. Hiromichi Kobori. and S. Toishi. Fukuchi of NEC. 2 Panasonic. Toshiba. Sony. Inada. Iwanaga. Hitachi. Ojima.” 24 126. H. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Kimihiro Saito. the 2006 meeting took place on October 15-19 in Kagawa. RWPPI created a United States Liaison Office located at the Long Beach.. Maeda. S. In 21 January 2001. NEC. Honguh. and 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. The dates and locales of those 27 meetings are set forth in the following chart. K. South Korea. Y. and I. M. the 2005 meeting took place on July 10-14 in Honolulu. H. Takeda. The RW Products Promotion Initiative (“RWPPI”) is a trade association formed in 17 Tokyo. the 2009 meeting took place on October 4-8 in Nagasaki. Sharp. the Toshiba- 19 Samsung Joint Venture. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 8 124. Kubota. Y. Yun- 10 Sup Shin. Dong-Ho Shin.A. which provided a forum for Defendants and their co- 26 conspirators to communicate and agree upon prices for ODDs. LG. Kyung-Guen Lee. M. Pioneer. Shintani of Hitachi.
Tokyo. Japan) 6 9/19/2008 location unknown 7 6/18/2008 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 15 8/23/2006 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 5 12/5/2008 Sharp (Makuhari. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 2/14/2007 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 16 6/21/2006 Pioneer (Meguro. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 4/18/2007 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 26 8/26/2004 Pioneer (Meguro. Tokyo. Japan) 9 12/7/2007 Sharp (Makuhari. Tokyo. Chiba. Japan) 25 10/29/2004 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 10 9/13/2007 location unknown 6/12/2007 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 24 2/17/2005 location unknown 12/9/2004 Sharp (Makuhari. Japan) 13 12/6/2006 Sharp (Makuhari. Japan) 28 35 CASE NO. Chiba. Chiba. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Japan) 14 10/20/2006 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 27 6/15/2004 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 8 2/14/2008 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 17 4/28/2006 location unknown 18 2/17/2006 Pioneer (Meguro. Tokyo. Tokyo. Tokyo. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 37 of 65 1 2 3 Date of Meeting Meeting Location 4 3/13/2009 Pioneer (Meguro. Chiba. Tokyo. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 KLEE. Tokyo. Japan) 12 LOS ANGELES. Chiba. Tokyo. Tokyo. Tokyo. Japan) 21 8/3/2005 Pioneer (Meguro. Tokyo. Tokyo. Japan) 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. TUCHIN. Tokyo. Tokyo. Japan) 19 12/7/2005 Sharp (Makuhari. Tokyo. Japan) 20 10/28/2005 Pioneer (Meguro. Japan) 22 6/16/2005 location unknown 23 4/15/2005 Pioneer (Meguro.
18 130. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 CES took place from January 7-10. September 1-6. 2006. 2005 and co-sponsored by. Japan) 3 4 127. providing members 10 of the conspiracy the opportunity to communicate with each other about the conspiracy. The 2007 event was held in 14 South San Francisco on September 18-19. Standardization of ODDs 27 132. A product is considered standard when there is a high degree of substitutability 28 across suppliers in the market. included presenters from Sony. As noted above. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 129. Japan) 2 2/25/2004 Pioneer (Meguro. The International Consumer Electronics Show (“CES”). 2007. When products are viewed as interchangeable by purchasers. The conduct of the “business” of these trade shows or events gave Defendants and 24 their co-conspirators the cover needed to share competitively sensitive information and to reach 25 and implement anticompetitive agreements. Trade Shows 8 128. held in Tokyo. August 21 29-September 3. 2006. included presenters from Sony and Toshiba. and closed its website in March of 2009. the Optical Storage Symposium is a worldwide conference held LOS ANGELES. The RWPPI appears to have disbanded. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 38 of 65 1 4/14/2004 Pioneer (Meguro. 7 e. 23 131. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 annually from 2001-2007 at various locations sponsored by OSTA. 2010 in Las Vegas. 2007. among others. Nevada. Japan on 15 October 5. 26 5. Recent IFA shows occurred on September 3-8. 22 2005. 2010. California on September 25. Tokyo. The Internationale Funkausstellung (“IFA”) is a worldwide exhibition of consumer 19 electronics products that is held annually in Berlin. Tokyo. September 4-9. The 2004 event held in 16 Burlingame. 2009. August 31-September 5. TUCHIN. The 2006 event. Hitachi and CDs21. 2008. and September 2-7. The 2010 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Germany and attended by representatives of 20 Defendants. the world’s largest 9 consumer electronics show. Sony and 17 Toshiba. 5 shortly before a federal grand jury began issuing subpoenas as part of an antitrust investigation 6 into the ODD industry. it is 36 CASE NO. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . was held annually during the Conspiracy Period. KLEE.
2000. Lite-On. Patents and intellectual property rights were also used to require adoption of 15 standardized ODD product specifications. Toshiba. “super 25 multi” DVD drives capable of reading or writing all the incompatible formats. 4 133. and Toshiba. LG. For example. 16 136.” an industry consensus aimed at 9 defining the parameters and specifications necessary for all classes of optical discs to be read on 10 current and future ODDs. thereby facilitating the establishment and maintenance 3 of a conspiracy. 26 138. The result was two sets of 24 incompatible write formats for DVDs. and the International Electrotechnical 7 Commission. achieved compliance with its KLEE. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 MultiRead specification. Those 17 manufacturers included Hitachi.only data storage. Sony and 22 Philips became the nucleus of a DVD “+” camp. but no agreement on writeable DVD data storage was reached. Sony. A DVD Forum was established to unify 19 the competing technological standards. Hitachi. and oversee their agreements to stabilize 28 37 CASE NO. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Samsung. Matsushita (Panasonic). On March 7. The ODD industry has been typified by standardization of ODDs driven by 5 industry participants and a variety of industry-related organizations such as ECMA International. and the other by 18 Matsushita (now Panasonic). 8 134. Philips. LOS ANGELES. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 representing well over 90 percent of the ODD market at the time. the original developers of the CD standard. Two competing camps of companies formed within the new standardization effort. which are dedicated to standardizing the use of consumer electronics. TUCHIN. OSTA announced that 17 ODD manufacturers. JVC and Time Warner formed a DVD “-” camp. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 39 of 65 1 easier to agree for manufacturers and sellers to agree upon a single price for the product in 2 question and to effectively monitor prices. 20 137. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 14 135. ultimately unified only by more complex products. and Time Warner. while Pioneer. OSTA developed “MultiRead. 6 the International Standardization Organization (“ISO”). 23 Toshiba. The standardization of the ODD industry provided Defendants and their co- 27 conspirators with a mechanism to implement. 17 one led by Sony and Philips. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . All parties agreed to a single standard for next-generation DVD video disks. and 21 read. enforce. Mitsubishi.
Some Defendants also sold ODDs directly to end users through 21 online or brick-and-mortar stores. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 141. Statements concerning the prices and market 24 conditions for ODDs were disseminated by Defendants and their co-conspirators from and into 25 California on a continuous basis. Throughout the Conspiracy Period. The Hitachi-LG 15 Joint Venture also had billions of dollars of revenue from ODDs in 2005. nationwide. the last year for which Sony disclosed the unit’s annual revenue. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 40 of 65 1 the prices of ODDs. 7 The business activities of Defendants and their co-conspirators substantially affected interstate 8 trade and commerce in the United States and caused antitrust injury in the United States. ODDs are commodity products. Defendants and their co- 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 9 140. Defendants and their co-conspirators collectively 10 imported at least tens of millions of ODDs into the United States. TUCHIN. the last year for which 16 figures are available. Defendants and their co-conspirators reached understandings and agreements to 28 stabilize the prices for ODDs in numerous ways throughout the Conspiracy Period. and consumers’ decisions to purchase such 2 products are typically based largely. Acts of Collusion with Respect to ODDs 27 144. 26 D. 38 CASE NO. For example. Defendants and their co-conspirators sold 19 ODDs through various channels. and KLEE. During the Conspiracy Period. The Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture forecast revenue in excess of 200 17 billion yen in fiscal year 2004. LOS ANGELES. Defendants’ Sales of ODDs and Market Control 4 139. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . including to manufacturers of electronic products and to resellers 20 of ODDs such as Circuit City. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 within this district. including through and into this district. California is the worldwide center of the personal computer industry and other 23 industries that depend upon the ODD market. During the Conspiracy Period. 18 142. 22 143. sold ODDs in the United States in a continuous 6 and uninterrupted flow of interstate and foreign commerce. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 conspirators collectively controlled a majority of the market for ODDs globally. or one or more 5 of its subsidiaries and/or affiliated joint ventures. when it was established. if not exclusively. on price (rather than brand name). 3 C. each Defendant and co-conspirator. Sony had more than $1 billion of ODD sales for the year ending in 14 March 2008.
All of these 14 information exchanges were undertaken for the purpose of fixing the prices of. 16 147. TUCHIN. and communications. company responses to customer initiatives. conducted 18 auctions among suppliers of ODDs during the Conspiracy Period. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 41 of 65 1 145. Texas during most of the Conspiracy Period. California or 21 Houston. 8 146. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. The OEM would 26 provide feedback to competing ODD suppliers during the process. Another of the many manifestations of Defendants’ conspiracy involved bid- 17 rigging. business plans. These auctions can be classified into two general types: e-auctions and eRFQs 23 (Electronic Requests for Qualifications). product quality information. including prices and bids to Circuit City. ERFQs 25 typically spanned more than one day and involved multiple rounds of bidding. 28 39 CASE NO. Texas during most of the Conspiracy 20 Period. 6 Defendants and their co-conspirators submitted bids and prices in accordance with the agreements 7 reached during those meetings. E-auctions were typically live. One manifestation of the conspiracy involved regular exchanges of information 9 among Defendants and their co-conspirators of confidential business information concerning 10 ODDs. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 confidential roadmaps for product rollouts and production. Dell’s auctions began as early 19 as 2002 and were conducted from its headquarters in Austin. including but not limited to Dell and HP. and allocating 15 customers with respect to. production capacity. inventory KLEE. including prices charged and to be charged. Several OEMs in the United States. Defendants and their co-conspirators participated in meetings. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 of manufacture of ODDs that had reached the ends of their respective lifecycles. real-time events that 24 spanned a few hours in which each competing supplier could submit multiple bids. six times a year. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . discussions. Defendants and their co- 4 conspirators reached agreements and understandings regarding prices to charge customers for 5 ODDs and how participants would bid on ODDs. ODD auctions typically 27 occurred on a quarterly basis or. at most. and 2 communications in the United States or elsewhere to discuss bidding strategies and prices of 3 ODDs. discussions. 22 148. discussions. During those meetings. ODDs. and communications. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 and shipping information. and plans for the cessation LOS ANGELES. HP’s auctions began in 2004 and were conducted from either Palo Alto.
Allocation was based on rank by “Total Available 4 Market” (“TAM”). The auctions encompassed various types of CD. These 19 agreements or information exchanges were conducted by sales managers. Lite-On. representatives of 26 Defendants and their co-conspirators would congregate at lunches and exchange contact 27 information for purposes of setting up future communications to discuss bid-rigging. In dozens of KLEE. Typically. if the TAM was close between two suppliers. Quanta. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 ray drives for internal use within computers. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . account managers. as described 28 below. six or more 22 people were directly involved in collusive activity. 9 Sony. For many of these companies over the course of the Conspiracy Period. These auctions were not typically “winner takes all” situations. To use hypothetical examples. Defendants rigged their bids by: (a) agreeing to fix the prices at which they bid. The total number of collusive communications 23 associated with bid-rigging or information exchanges during the Conspiracy Period was in the 24 hundreds. and TEAC participated in auctions 10 run by. the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. Many OEMs filled 2 their needs by awarding contracts to multiple vendors. and (c) exchanging 14 competitively sensitive information on price. TUCHIN. as well as some external ODD players. Among others. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 those auctions. DVD and Blu- 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. If the TAMs were more dispersed. inter alia. 5 an OEM might allocate 35% of the auctioned business to the first tier supplier and another 35% to 6 the second tier. Dell and HP. and the timing of the introduction of 17 new products or the cessation of ones that had reached the end of their lifecycles. OEMs sponsored meetings for all suppliers. At such meetings. desired tier positions. or 20 global account managers who typically reported to sales executives within their respective 21 companies. quality assessments by OEMs (which could affect whether an OEM would allow a 16 supplier to bid for a top tier position on a particular auction). (b) LOS ANGELES. prior bids and bidding 15 outcomes. 40 CASE NO. 25 151. suppliers in the tiers below the first tier would 7 be allocated successively lesser shares of the auctioned business. three to four (and sometimes 3 five) bids were selected on a tiered basis. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 agreeing to allocate their respective positions in tiers of successful bidders. Panasonic also 18 participated in the information exchanges that had the effect of limiting price competition. the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 42 of 65 1 149. 8 150. the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture.
either before the bidding process commenced or. During some procurement events. As noted below. TUCHIN. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 154. Texas. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 of Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ bid-rigging include the following: LOS ANGELES. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 stabilization continued during the remainder of the Conspiracy Period. Sometimes they exchanged information 5 through e-mails. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 43 of 65 1 152. and another defendant 21 discussed the rigging of this bidding process. 10 prior to 2004. prices for ODDs had been declining. and the lobby of 7 one defendant’s office in Singapore. each agreed that they would not 26 bid lower than their respective previous closing prices. The representatives of the foregoing Defendants and their co-conspirators 2 communicated on the subject of their bid-rigging efforts in several ways. The auction closed on February 19. Account managers from 15 a conspirator and the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture discussed the position each company wanted in the 16 tiers of successful bidders and agreed not to bid below $14. restaurants in Houston. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . In February 2009. The Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture and the Toshiba-Samsung Joint 24 Venture then agreed that the latter would take the second tier position.65 per unit. while the live bidding process was ongoing. they stabilized. Texas. Sometimes they 3 communicated by cellular telephone. 28 41 CASE NO. The final bids by each defendant reflected 27 these various agreements. an agreement that they 17 followed through on. which 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 2006. HP instituted an auction for the supply of ODDs to its Business 19 PC and Consumer PC divisions. 18 155. 2009. the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. while the former would 25 take the third tier position. but in that year. During the course of this discussion. Representative examples KLEE. The Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture and another 22 conspirator agreed that the former would not compete against the latter for the first tier position 23 among successful bidders. 8 153. they conducted face-to-face meetings at 6 venues including a coffee shop in Austin. Account managers for 20 the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. HP conducted a procurement event on behalf of its Business PC division that 14 involved an auction for the supply of ODDs ending on August 31. in e- 4 auctions. Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ bid-rigging efforts started in 2004 and 9 continued at least into 2009 and affected prices paid for ODDs by Circuit City.
3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . sources from Taiwan-based manufacturers of ODDs said that since Sony 18 NEC was a member of the BDA. said in October 2008 that the prices for BD players would not be coming down soon. sought reductions in OEM and Original Design Manufacturer (“ODM”) prices of BD 23 Combo and BD-ROM drives. Chairman of the BDA and a Senior Vice-President of 26 Pioneer. Taiwanese ODD manufacturers were 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. TUCHIN. said at a press conference that he LOS ANGELES. Dell. 42 CASE NO. after a period 9 of decline. Beginning in February 2008. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 158. its pricing would be a reference for other members who 19 manufactured such an ODD. In May 2007. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 expected any price competition for the global market of ODDs to slacken in 2005 because 14 Japanese manufacturers had forced out most of Taiwan’s second tier manufacturers and almost all 15 of China’s manufacturers. 20 160. Andy Parsons. Dell conducted an auction for the supply of ODDs that closed on December 1. LG and Samsung. In August 2008. leading manufacturers. who agreed to seek a fourth 5 tier position behind Sony. at least one or more of Defendants and their co-conspirators would have 28 broken ranks to capture market share. By September 2004. Sony NEC introduced its first BD-R player. 2 2008. in the latter part of 2004. and the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture submitted bids. personal computer vendors. the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture. 16 159. 7 157. Quanta’s 4 account manager spoke with one defendant’s global account manager. After Dell asked for lower bids. including HP. However. For example. and the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. 6 Quanta and this defendant lowered their bids their bids by the same amount. including Philips. In a 27 competitive market. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 44 of 65 1 156. Defendants and their co-conspirators engaged in additional acts of anticompetitive 8 conduct in furtherance of their conspiracy. Quanta (operating in conjunction with Sony). President of Lite-On. were all steadfast in refusing 25 to lower their prices. 17 According to Digitimes. the 24 Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. the BD-M100A. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 claiming that the prices of such burners would remain stable for the remainder of the year. Danny Liao. KLEE. prices on many ODDs that played BDs began to 21 climb. such as Pioneer. In March 2005. the 3 Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. quotations by Defendants and their co-conspirators to OEMs for 16x DVD-R players 10 stabilized for a period of months. Lite-On. Circuit City and Asustek 22 Computer. the bidding reflected this agreement.
to the extent possible. As discussed above. ensuring that Defendants and their co- 23 conspirators had access to sensitive non-public commercial information that facilitated the 24 conspiracy. licensees from the DVD3c Patent Pool and DVD6c Patent Pool were required to report 22 customer. Defendants. throughout the Conspiracy Period. As noted above. Master File No. certain Defendants and their co-conspirators have already produced more than 4 17 million documents that contain information regarding Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ 18 confidential information exchanges and agreements. The patent pools described previously also facilitated the operations of the price- 20 fixing conspiracy by restricting competition among pool members. their co- 4 conspirators. 26 165. on information 21 and belief. to date. who exchanged 28 personal cell phone numbers and email addresses with their rival ODD suppliers to facilitate the 43 CASE NO. 9 162. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 14 163. 19 164. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 45 of 65 1 161. sales and pricing data to pool members. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 manufactured or sold by the joint venturers. Toshiba. and production. and their respective employees were aware that such communications were 5 inappropriate and took steps to conceal their communications by using cellular phones or meeting 6 in person to ensure. that communications were not in writing and that no 7 evidence of such communications was left behind. The license agreement for the DVD6c Patent Pool specifically required the patent 25 licensee to agree that such information could be shared among the members of the licensing group. and based upon review of the pleadings in the In re 15 Optical Disk Drive Products Antitrust Litigation. including 3 information about customers. Defendants and their co-conspirators created joint ventures or 10 other cooperation arrangements that functioned as means to fix prices for competitive products 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 3:10-md-02143 consolidated 16 litigation. pricing. Sony. For example. Defendants routinely 2 communicated with each other to share confidential business information about ODDs. Lite-On. For example. Philips. These communications numbered at least in 8 the hundreds. TUCHIN. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 LG. the joint ventures operated by Hitachi. and Samsung provided a structure for collusion in LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 furtherance of the conspiracy alleged herein. KLEE. Upon information and belief. specific products. Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ exchanges of competitively sensitive 27 information were directed by customer account managers and sales directors.
we need to be 20 extremely careful about contacts. a Hitachi-LG Joint Venture employee acknowledged that 14 competitor contacts were improper given government investigations in other industries and 15 counseled employees to keep these contacts out of documents or emails: 16 Recently in the USA & EU. SNO’s DVD-ROM isn’t 10 supported from Lite-on. LOS ANGELES. (since the share of T and us combined 22 becomes more than 50%. I guess other industries also know this thru news or 19 something. among others. Daniel Hur of the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture emailed Eugene Yang 27 of LG. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Joint Venture. and SNO refers to Sony NEC.” 8 167. there is a chance that the issue will grow even 23 bigger). but cautioned “that does not meet [sic] those places are guaranteed to be safe. Before switching jobs. In October 2007.” and suggested 7 using Starbucks. 24 On information and belief. In February 2009. explained to Yang that he should meet 6 his competitors at “a place where it would be very unlikely for people to see you. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 46 of 65 1 conspiracy. encouraging his colleagues to conceal their competitive contacts: 28 44 CASE NO. In March 2009. and let’s be careful so that there are not 21 should in documents / email. these employees would introduce their replacements to their 2 contacts at rival ODD suppliers. especially T company. 3 166. A May 2006 e-mail from Eugene Yang of the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture to Daniel 4 Hur of the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture requested competitors’ contact information. TUCHIN. This model is produced by Foxconn as OEM and supply to SNO. including Hur: “I’ve checked it through Freddie. In response. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 168. Hyun Chul Son reported to a number of the Hitachi-LG Joint 9 Venture employees. investigations on collusion between suppliers 17 are being strengthened. With competitor. LG TV & LGD are under the investigation as a 18 close example. Hur 5 acknowledged the illegal nature of the competitor contacts. 26 169.” On 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 information and belief. the “T company” and “T” referred to in the above e-mail is the 25 Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. the “Freddie” referred to by Son is Freddie Hsieh of the Philips-Lite-On KLEE.
3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT .65 eventually.” 14 172. Quanta and Sony were to act as partners in an upcoming 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. we should purchase and use an outgoing call-only phone instead 3 of using our business cell phones. the email subject 10 referred to Amino Masafumi from Sony.” Later in the email chain. In October 2007. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 ODD procurement event. I met [the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture] guy.” The information was received by Kris Williams of NEC. Hank Hayami of NEC emailed other NEC employees.” On information and belief.” 8 171. on information KLEE. . including 19 Glenn Brower. In October 2008. I think that you can be more bold 28 with Tokyo if you have good info on competitors. Sally Huang and 15 Haw Chen: “Last week. I will also provide the 23 yield rate at Sharp factory and TSST (Samsung) drive factory on the new lead-free slim 8X 24 DVDRW. Chng requested 45 CASE NO. . 2009. The following Monday. the [sic] they won’t go that far in the 1st 17 round as well and might provide a higher price to see [the customer]’s feedback & then react. In July 2005. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 and belief. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 protection. In an email sent on or around April 14. Yang of LG informed Hur of the 5 Hitachi-LG Joint Venture and others that “The Houston office has purchased a Prepaid Phone for 6 security purposes. Lin reported to her colleagues at Quanta. 16 their best price is around 24. We . of the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture] this Friday evening and get the consensus on the price LOS ANGELES. Caroline Lin of Quanta emailed other Quanta employees 9 regarding an “RFQ Discussio [sic] with Amino-san. will use pre paid phones also for confidential conversations in the 7 future. However. . advising him that “[t]he only other piece you need to round out your job 27 responsibilities. .” 18 173. TUCHIN. is the data gathering piece from other suppliers. and I will contact him tomorrow. According to what he said. Kris Williams of Sony NEC Optiarc emailed Vincent Chng of 26 Sony NEC Optiarc. and stated that “when our [NEC’s] top management met [the Toshiba-Samsung 20 Joint Venture’s] top management last week. [the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture] clearly 21 mentioned as below. who stated 22 that he had “a good contact at Toshiba.” 25 174. Lin reported: “I’ll have dinner w/HLDS Eugene [Yang. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 47 of 65 1 To avoid unnecessary misunderstanding for industry information-gathering 2 purposes. . 4 170.
In July 2007. the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture employees 10 reported to their colleagues that Pioneer had provided the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture with highly 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Panasonic refused to lower its price to HP’s requested $69 for May 23 2005. . 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . they finished their 21 evaluation last Wednesday and are bidding $73/April while it hasn’t been decided who to use. Panasonic 19 employee Yoshihiro Takada contacted his known competitor on the account. to ascertain 20 Pioneer’s price and bidding strategy: “I contacted Pioneer the other day. 7 176. 28 46 CASE NO.” 22 Armed with this information. . In February 2005.” On information and belief. . As early as November 2003.91 for one of the component parts of the drive. Williams compiled information about slim PATA tray-loaded DVD- 6 RW drives. TEAC confirmed that it was paying $1. Yasuki Hiraoka. and get back to me without delay” before Panasonic 26 would commit to the $71 price HP requested for the May supply of ODDs. Based on the “results 27 of the investigation. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 48 of 65 1 contact from Williams’ contact at the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. Team Leader at the Hitachi-LG Joint 8 Venture. “Jason 2 should contact you soon …. In an email two days later. 17 177. (3) the LOS ANGELES. (2) pricing on the Apple account for both 4x and 8x drives. I will 3 give you contact info for him. and (5) Pioneer’s intention to stop its production of DVD-ROM drives 16 and to instead purchase the drives from a Taiwanese third party. Pioneer. 5 175. I will also try to put you in contact with Matt from TSST. Panasonic and Pioneer both submitted bids to HP for the supply 18 of ODDs in April and May 2005. Faced with a sharp demand by HP to lower its costs.” only then would Panasonic respond with a price to HP. TUCHIN. including: (1) target dates for delivery of new products to Apple KLEE. Williams responded. and a Hitachi-LG Joint Venture employee with the last name Nagasawa had dinner with 9 sales personnel from Pioneer. Panasonic 24 employee Tosio Nakayama instructed his colleagues to “reinvestigate/ascertain whether Pioneer 25 can actually keep up with the May price. (4) 14 that Pioneer would not be ready to launch its dual layer drive in the second quarter of 2004 as it 15 had previously announced. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 disclosure that Pioneer was facing production capacity restraints for its DVD-W slim drive. In an internal document. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 sensitive business information. Jason refers to Jason Kim from the 4 Hitachi-LG Joint Venture and Matt refers to Matthew Lee at the Toshiba-Samsung Joint Venture. and instead suggested that it would bid only $71. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 such as the 8x dual ODD.
THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 concluded that Panasonic’s price was “quite competitive.50 . updated colleagues on Pioneer’s qualification status at Apple and speculated 3 on Panasonic’s chances competing for Apple’s business: 4 My understanding is Pioneer is very aggressive on pricing as they are not 5 competing well on the engineering side. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Electronics (USA) Inc. 47 CASE NO. it’ll be a challenge as 6 2nd source and potentially 3rd source across the board.50. thus 16 confirming that they had directly met. Hiraoka reported that he “had dinner with 27 Pioneer yesterday.CQ3 price: 72. In the same email.” Based on this information.Conditional offer of $73 10 for June if qualified for Q45CIand Q88. Panasonic Senior Account 2 Manager for Apple. in order to prevent any price competition over the supply of ODDs for that time period. In May 2006. I checked on our 9 competitors pricings: I. including 8 Pioneer. Regarding Pioneer. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 49 of 65 1 178.” Eventually Reynolds confirmed that the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture had received the 20 award. TUCHIN. For CQ4. Pioneer’s SD process . BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 180. Phan reported on the exact prices that competitors. In a later email. Wilson thanked Reynolds for his time the previous week. Pioneer told the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture that it 28 had not promised Dell a rebate on the Slim-DVD-W product. In September 2005. Pioneer disclosed to its competitor. but didn’t want to do so until all was official for 19 [Philips]. emailed Billy Reynolds of the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture and asked 14 whether the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture had “received the official award of business for BD” 15 from Dell. The implication of this question was that Pioneer did not want to approach Dell to 21 negotiate the provision of ODDs until the contract with the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture was 22 final.CQ2 firm quote: $76. Wilson explained that Pioneer was “going to chat with 18 Dell about the 2nd source opportunities. In an internal email sent in May 2005. Phan 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.” Regarding the Dell account. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . When Reynolds explained that the Philips-Lite-On Joint 17 Venture hadn’t received the official award. Tina Phan. Yasuki Hiraoka of the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture reported to his 24 colleagues that he wanted to postpone the joint venture’s price quotation to customer Fujitsu until 25 the joint venture could “get more underground info.” Hiraoka then went on to report his meetings 26 with Pioneer and Panasonic. Jonae Wilson. planned to quote Apple: “After our conference call yesterday. a Global Account Manager at Pioneer LOS ANGELES. 7 179. 23 181.” KLEE.
9 12.7 mm and 9.5 mm slot product to date, given that there was base demand only from Apple.
21 concluded from this last piece of information that it should not reduce its price either.
25 strategy for the HP account. Takada reported that Panasonic Shikoku Electronics Co., Ltd.
28 seems that we need to change 2nd round strategy to go around $31.60.
12 between rounds of a procurement event.
19 to Apple, and competitive information sharing with HP.
18 negating any pricing threat.
like Sony. Other internal Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture documents show that in March 2009. Hitachi and Toshiba confirmed that. the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture. and Philips disclosed in SEC filings that they had received DOJ subpoenas related 22 to an ODD antitrust investigation or were a target of the investigation. Samsung and LG. 5 Lin provided to Tseng an “Update of Pioneer” that included information from Usui about the 6 allocation of OPUs and information regarding Pioneer’s production and outsourcing of certain 7 ODDs: 8 Pioneer Taiwan commented that almost no OPU shortage impact of H/H 9 DVDROM w/Q but Usui san said they tried really hard to secure the 10 allocation. had received DOJ subpoenas. certain ODD manufacturers including the Hitachi-LG Joint 21 Venture. Sony has acknowledged 23 that it believes the request for information from the DOJ is part of a wider review of 24 anticompetitive conduct in the ODD market by the DOJ and competition authorities in other 25 countries. TUCHIN. 27 including Toshiba.” Within days. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 team’s help to check. 14 E. Pioneer Taiwan told us that out-sourcing 22X will launch in 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Lin responded that 2 Charlie Tseng of the Philips-Lite-On Joint Venture wanted to speak with Usui regarding the supply 3 of a particular type of drive and “to exchange the market trend again. Beginning in 2009. Governmental Antitrust Investigations of the ODD Industry 15 192. 2009. Has asked for Procurement LOS ANGELES. Around the same time. On or around 28 October 27. their ODD operations in the 51 CASE NO. 2009. In October 2009. As for 24X. 26 194. and the Toshiba- 18 Samsung Joint Venture. news sources reported that other companies. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 May since Pioneer’s own factory made H/H DVDRW will stop production KLEE. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 in May. it was reported that the United States Department of Justice 16 (“DOJ”) had commenced an investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the ODD industry and 17 had served subpoenas on Sony Optiarc America. no further information. Hitachi. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 53 of 65 1 market trend and I am willing to share the market information. Sony. 20 193. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . On or around October 26.” 4 191. at least one Defendant acknowledged that foreign 19 antitrust enforcement agencies were also investigating the ODD industry.
The 10 request for a grand jury must be approved by the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. the DOJ submitted under seal a declaration 24 regarding the status of its investigation. In November 2011.” Antitrust Division Manual. In support of that motion. They also acknowledged that they were under investigation by European Union and 3 Singaporean antitrust regulators. See id. The DOJ confirmed its activities in a motion to stay proceedings in the main MDL 20 case filed on May 20. The LOS ANGELES. 2010) (Dkt.1 8 (“[i]f a Division attorney believes that a criminal violation of the antitrust laws has occurred. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 54 of 65 1 United States had received a DOJ subpoena in a widening investigation into potential antitrust 2 violations.1 million criminal 28 fine.C. Chapter 17 III. Vol. The fact that KLEE.B. The Hitachi-LG Joint Venture admitted that its officers and employees engaged in 52 CASE NO. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 1. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 the DOJ Antitrust Division investigation is criminal. 68). the existence of a criminal investigation into the ODD industry supports the 18 existence of the conspiracy alleged herein. I. bid 16 rigging and horizontal customer and territorial allocations. Ch. TUCHIN. as opposed to civil. 4 195.5. 19 196. the Hitachi-LG Joint Venture pled 27 guilty to conspiring to fix prices and rig bids for ODDs and agreed to pay a $21. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Antitrust Division’s “Standards for Determining Whether to Proceed by Civil or Criminal 14 Investigation” state: “[i]n general current Division policy is to proceed by criminal investigation 15 and prosecution in cases involving horizontal. It is significant that Defendants’ anticompetitive behavior has been the subject of a 5 criminal grand jury investigation by the DOJ. a 6 DOJ Antitrust Division attorney must believe that a crime has been committed and prepare a 7 detailed memorandum to that effect. is also significant. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 Division based upon the belief that a criminal violation may have occurred. stating that “[t]he DOJ is currently investigating possible criminal 21 violations in the optical disk drive (`ODD’) industry. per se unlawful agreements such as price fixing. The DOJ’s investigation has already yielded a guilty plea from the Hitachi-LG 26 Joint Venture and four of its executives. he 9 should prepare a memorandum requesting authority to conduct a grand jury investigation. Accordingly. In order to institute a grand jury investigation. 25 197. 2010. No. See Antitrust Grand Jury Practice Manual.”).” See Memorandum of Points and 22 Authorities In Support Of the United States’ Motion For A Limited Stay of Discovery at 15 (May 23 20.
000 fine and also received a jail sentence. Economic Data on Pricing and Supply 7 199. After introduction into a market. and 5 Sik Hur. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 shifted to lower-cost countries. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Sang Hun Kim. 3 198. including ODDs. leveled off 15 during the Conspiracy Period. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 200. During the Conspiracy Period. prices for computer storage devices. as shown in the chart below. Woo Jin Yang. ODD pricing did not behave as would be expected 8 in a competitive market. 6 F. However. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 trends. the ODD 10 market has been characterized by unnatural price stability and certain periods of upward pricing 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. consumer electronics products and their 9 component parts are typically characterized by downward pricing trends. KLEE. The cost of manufacturing ODDs should have declined as manufacturing bases LOS ANGELES. TUCHIN. Each was ordered to pay a $25. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 55 of 65 1 discussions and meetings with representatives of other major sellers of ODDs and reached 2 agreements to fix prices of ODDs and to rig ODD negotiations. Instead. the following Hitachi-LG Joint Venture executives individually pled 4 guilty to participating in the conspiracy: Young Keun Park. In a competitive market this would be reflected in downward 14 pricing trends as well. Additionally. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 53 CASE NO.
Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 56 of 65 1 201. Changes in demand for ODDs are also unlikely to explain the unnatural price 7 stabilization during the Conspiracy Period. If they had acted competitively. The fact that Defendants and their co-conspirators uniformly held off on significant 5 price reductions regardless of share indicates that they were acting conspiratorially. during the Conspiracy Period. 26 HD-DVD has been gone for nearly two-thirds of that time and one would 27 have expected costs to have declined by now. yet prices did not follow. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 LOS ANGELES. As one news report issued at the time of the announcement of the DOJ’s 23 investigation of Sony’s ODD subsidiary observed: 24 Analysts have been wondering why Blu-ray prices have remained high even 25 though the technology has been commercially available for over three years. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . The fact that they haven’t is 28 54 CASE NO. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 KLEE. 3 Because of these different incentives. TUCHIN. 22 204. as reflected in the following chart 9 obtained from the website of DEG. stable prices cannot be explained merely as conscious 4 parallelism. 6 202. Additionally. the cost of ODD primary components 21 continued to decline. ODD makers would have had different incentives 2 depending on the size of their market share in an existing generation of optical disc technology. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 203. despite a drop in sales of DVD players. ODD prices remained relatively stable 8 between 2004 and 2006. For example. 10 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.
the products in question were 16 marketed through the same or related channels used for the marketing of ODDs and were overseen 17 by the same divisions or departments within the relevant defendant or co-conspirator for at least a 18 portion of the Conspiracy Period. 26 but the practices had continued. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. also have MAP 10 policies. Many of Defendants and their co-conspirators have been implicated in antitrust LOS ANGELES. 27 28 55 CASE NO. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . among other products. In February 1993. the Japan Fair Trade Commission (“JFTC”) entered a cease-and- 21 desist order against subsidiaries of Sony. Samsung’s MAP policy 7 applicable to BD players. The JFTC noted that similar practices had occurred in 1988 when it instructed two 25 major industry associations. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 57 of 65 1 causing some to question whether or not Sony is doing something to keep 2 the prices up. including the Japan Electronics Industry Association. Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ use of “Minimum Advertised Price” 4 (“MAP”) policies with respect to retail pricing of their ODDs in the United States also facilitated 5 the conspiracy by ensuring that retail pricing did not undercut the price-fixing agreements 6 Defendants and their co-conspirators had reached. For example. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 investigations into other technology-related products and/or have admitted to participating in 14 anticompetitive cartels involving other products. Hitachi and what is now Panasonic. 19 1. Defendants’ History of Collusion in Other Markets KLEE. 3 205. Toshiba. Repeated violations of Samsung’s 9 MAP policy would result in termination. Televisions 20 207. TUCHIN. barred retailers from promoting prices that 8 violated the MAP “online or offline” through any publication. to stop them. To the extent that these prior instances of 15 conspiratorial conduct involved consumer electronics products. Sony and Toshiba. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 206. finding that 22 the subsidiaries had requested that large discount stores in Tokyo and Osaka not display discount 23 rates larger than 10 percent of the maker’s recommended retail prices for products including 24 televisions. among others. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 G.
27 28 56 CASE NO. including DiscoVision Associates. It was further reported that the DOJ had issued subpoenas to several companies 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 dealing with Royal Philips and Sony. 5 3. In January 2007. On May 19. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 58 of 65 1 2. DRAM 22 213. As noted previously. 17 4. TUCHIN. Gas Insulated Switchgears 18 212. a subsidiary of Pioneer. joint venture $110 million for fixing the prices of 4 professional videotapes sold in Europe between 1999 and 2002. the European Commission (“EC”) fined Sony and various 3 related entities and the Hitachi Maxell Ltd. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . believed to include 8 Sony and Royal Philips. It was reported that the two companies had signed a “pact” in the late 9 1970s agreeing to “cross-license each other’s basic patents on CD technology” and collect fees 10 from vendors. Hitachi. Samsung admitted guilt and paid a $300 million fine following an 23 investigation by the DOJ into price-fixing among DRAM manufacturers. In July 1994. Optical Disc Licensing Policies 6 209. KLEE. In August 2006. In November 2007. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 in order to obtain a license for BD and HD-DVD standards. Hitachi and Toshiba were fined by the EC for their roles in a 19 conspiracy to control prices and allocate market shares for gas insulated switchgears between 1988 20 and 2004. in October 2008. In October 2005. Magnetic Videotapes 2 208. 2010. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 210. 24 214. it was announced that two of the major 15 players in the ODD market. 21 5. 14 211. Sony and Royal Philips. NEC. had been fined by the TFTC for their abuse 16 of monopoly power in the licensing of CD-R technology. the DOJ announced it was investigating the licensing practices of 7 several leading companies that owned and licensed CD manufacturing patents. and Toshiba – a total of €331 million for participating in an international 26 cartel to fix DRAM prices. the EC announced that it was fining ten companies – including 25 Samsung. the EC initiated an investigation regarding the procedures required LOS ANGELES.
THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 believes that Chunghwa Picture Tube (a unit of Tatung). Samsung and Toshiba have formed cartels to boost pricing of CRT-based devices. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT .4 million in 7 fines against five companies for alleged participation in a price-fixing cartel for CRTs. and an arm of South Korea’s Samsung group. Samsung SDI Company Ltd. 2009. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 59 of 65 1 6. TFT-LCDs 27 221. Matsushita (Panasonic). Korea’s Fair Trade Commission fined more than five manufacturers of CRTs over 15 $48 million. the DOJ has issued six indictments against individuals in 21 connection with the CRT price-fixing conspiracy. 5 7. received requests 18 for information from the Canadian Competition Bureau with respect to alleged antitrust violations 19 relating to CRTs. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 Philips. government authorities in Japan. On November 26. fining seven companies a 16 combined €1. In November 2007. Korea. In a cease-and-desist order dated October 7.92 billion) related to price fixing of CRTs. the EC confirmed that it had sent a Statement of 10 Objections to participants in the CRT cartel in Europe. the European Union 28 and the United States revealed a comprehensive investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the 57 CASE NO. 26 8. CRTs 6 216. Specifically. In May 2011.47 billion ($1.” 14 218. It has been reported that “[t]he EC 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Since February 10. 20 220. In December 2006. such as LOS ANGELES. 2009. the JFTC levied $37. The EC imposed the biggest antitrust penalty in its history. a Samsung subsidiary. agreed to pay a $32 million criminal fine and pled guilty to 23 charges brought under the Sherman Act. the primary purpose of which was to fix prices. TUCHIN. 22 (“SDI”). Samsung and Toshiba have acknowledged being contacted by the DOJ as part of an 3 investigation for fixing prices of Static Random Access Memory (“SRAM”) and NAND Flash 4 Memory. LG Electronics. KLEE.. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 computer monitors or TV-sets. reduce 25 output. a subsidiary of Hitachi. SRAM 2 215. including 8 LG Philips Displays Korea Co. Hitachi Canada Ltd. 9 217. 17 219. SDI admitted to participating in a 24 conspiracy among major CRT producers. and allocate market shares of CRTs sold in the United States and elsewhere. 2009.
23 Similarly. 14 225. Toshiba. pled guilty to antitrust price-fixing allegations with respect to 6 TFT-LCDs and agreed to pay a $400 million fine and (b) Sharp pled guilty to bid-rigging with 7 respect to certain customers of TFT-LCDs and agreed to pay a fine of $120 million. LG. The TFT-LCD investigation is ongoing. News reports indicated that Samsung. In December 2008. many of Defendants are vertically integrated major 21 manufacturers of ODD Products. and a joint 2 venture between Philips and LG Electronics-LG Display Co. 27 228. the LG and Samsung entities manufactured and 22 sold both TFT-LCD panels as well as TFT-LCD computer monitors and flat panel televisions. a joint venture 5 between LG and Royal Philips. 20 227. 2009. In its plea agreement. Defendants’ price-fixing agreements in those markets is suggestive 26 of similar anticompetitive conduct in the ODD market. Ltd. In July 2009. In December 2008. the ODD market has a structure similar to that of the TFT-LCD. a subsidiary of 9 Hitachi. Ltd.. Hitachi. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 Hitachi Displays admitted to agreeing to fix the prices of LCD panels. On March 10. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 60 of 65 1 TFT-LCD market. and Toshiba and other entities 17 remain under investigation. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . meaning that it has admitted its 16 participation in the cartel. Hitachi. 4 222. LG. 8 223. the JFTC fined Sharp and Hitachi with respect to a conspiracy LOS ANGELES. the DOJ announced that: (a) LG Display. For example. Toshiba. the EC confirmed that it had sent a Statement of Objections to 19 participants in the TFT-LCD cartel in Europe. Samsung. It is widely believed that Defendant SECL is in the DOJ’s leniency program with 15 respect to the investigation into the market for TFT-LCDs. and Sony manufacture and sell both ODDs and computers 24 containing ODDs. 28 and Royal Philips in a wide variety of technology products markets across the world. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 involving TFT-LCDs sold for use in Nintendo game consoles. As in the TFT-LCD industry. including the 58 CASE NO. Sharp. had agreed to plead guilty to violations of the Sherman Act and pay a $31 million 10 fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix the prices of TFT-LCD products. were all under investigation for 3 price fixing TFT-LCDs. The established illegal conduct of Sony. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 224. Panasonic. the DOJ announced that Hitachi Displays. Samsung. 18 226. TUCHIN. KLEE.. 25 DRAM and CRT industries. Additionally.
Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 61 of 65 1 United States. Fraudulent Concealment and Tolling 24 233. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 during the relevant period. sufficient facts to show the existence of 26 the conspiracy alleged herein.000). Several Samsung executives have recently been convicted of bribery and other 9 white collar crimes. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . Kim Yong Chul. 27 28 59 CASE NO. (2) from the 17 Sony corporate family totaled approximately four billion six hundred million dollars 18 ($4. 2009.000. Based upon information currently available.000. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 of dollars’ worth of ODDs and ODD Products directly from Defendants and/or their subsidiaries LOS ANGELES.000. Circuit City did not discover.” Chul acknowledged that he had fabricated court evidence on behalf of the company and 8 its executives. 5 admitted that the company “instructed me to commit crimes. 21 232. In November 2007. (3) from the Samsung corporate family totaled approximately two billion 19 dollars ($2.000.600.000. and could not have 25 discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence.000. buying people with 7 money. Injury to Circuit City Caused by the Conspiracy 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. the former chief lawyer for Samsung. 23 I. the Trustee has been damaged in an amount to be determined according to proof. 4 229. TUCHIN.000). A former leading retailer of consumer electronics.000). Prior to at least October 26.” Chul further stated that “[a] basic 6 responsibility for all Samsung executives is (sic) to do illegal lobbying. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ 22 conspiracy.000.000). and (4) from the Philips and Lite-On corporate families totaled 20 approximately one billion dollars ($1. Circuit City purchased billions KLEE. the Trustee is informed and believes 15 that Circuit City’s purchases of ODDs or ODD Products during the relevant period: (1) from the 16 Toshiba corporate family totaled approximately two billion dollars ($2. 10 H. 14 231. is illustrative of Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ respective corporate cultures 2 which encourage illegal activities aimed at furthering the company’s bottom line at the expense of 3 consumers. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 230.
Inc. et al. v. 14 • Coordinating bidding and price negotiation covertly in order to avoid detection. falsely. v. a class action complaint on behalf of direct purchasers of 26 ODDs.. four other class action complaints on behalf of direct 28 purchasers of ODDs were filed in this District and in the Central District of California: Nikkel v. No.S. In 19 light of Defendants’ concealment. 60 CASE NO. 17 • Publicly announcing. 4 235. The statute of limitations relevant to the Trustee’s claims was equitably tolled by 2 the doctrine of fraudulent concealment until at least October 26. 9 • Agreeing to limit the number of representatives of each Defendant or co- 10 conspirator that were aware of the conspiracy. 18 Indeed. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 • Agreeing to limit written communications relating to or in furtherance of the KLEE. captioned CMP Consulting Services. the statute of limitations relevant to the Trustee’s claims has been 22 tolled under American Pipe & Construction Co.. Utah. 2009. 538 (1974). that ODDs were competitively priced. TUCHIN. 25 237. 09-5114 (“CMP”). a reasonable person under the circumstances would not have 20 been alerted to investigate the legitimacy of ODD prices before at least October 26. was 27 filed in this Court. 414 U. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 conspiracy. In the following weeks. On October 27. 2009. 15 • Giving false and pre-textual reasons for ODD price stabilization and falsely 16 describing the stabilization as the product of external causes and not collusion. Additionally. as a result of the 23 filing of direct purchaser class actions relating to Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ illegal 24 conspiracy to fix ODD prices. Defendants’ price-fixing conspiracy was inherently self-concealing. 2009. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. the date that the DOJ’s 3 investigation into the ODD price-fixing conspiracy was made public. 21 236. Defendants and their co- 6 conspirators concealed their unlawful conduct by (among other things): 7 • Agreeing not to discuss publicly or otherwise reveal their acts and communications 8 in furtherance of the price-fixing conspiracy. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 • Agreeing to meet in locations where the conspiracy was less likely to be detected. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 62 of 65 1 234. by its very nature. Sony Corp. LOS ANGELES. The acts of Defendants and their co-conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy 5 were concealed and carried out in a manner that precluded detection.
Sony 4 Optiarc America Inc. 2009) (“KI”). 23 2004. 09-5186 (N. Inc.S. and 27 conspiracy. 29. 15 U.” and together 5 with CMP.D. and KI. the “Individual Class Action Complaints”). et al. maintain. Cal. the statute 17 of limitations applicable to the Trustee’s claims was tolled by the filing of the Consolidated Class 18 Action Complaints.. No. Cal. TUCHIN.. the Consolidated Direct Purchaser Class Action Complaint [Docket No. v.. 24 and conspiracy in restraint of trade to artificially raise.D. fix. in violation of section 1 of the Sherman Act. 3 Inc. Univisions. filed Nov. 09-8289 (C. filed Oct. v. KI. Nikkel. Circuit City 6 was a member of the class in each of the Individual Class Action Complaints. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . and the filing of 7 these actions tolled the statute of limitations for the Trustee’s claims. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 [Docket No. filed Nov. 839] (collectively. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 63 of 65 1 Sony Corp. 2011. et al. 159] was filed. Sony Corp. and Saed v. 12.. et al. understanding. and/or stabilize prices for 25 ODDs in the United States.. 19 FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION 20 (Violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act) 21 239. No. The Trustee is a member of the direct purchaser class as defined in each of the 16 Consolidated Class Action Complaints and the Preliminary Settlement Order.. As such. 09-5135 (N. 2009) (“Univisions”). Cal. the “Consolidated Class Action 15 Complaints”). and on April 17. § 1. On August 26. filed Nov.D. No. 407]. 22 240. 2. Defendants and their co-conspirators entered into a continuing agreement. 2010 [Docket No. on KLEE. 26 241. 3.. Univisions-Crimson 2 Holding. understanding.. Cal. 2013. Pursuant to the Transfer Order of the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict 9 Litigation dated April 2. 09-5197 (N.. 8 238. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS.. 2009) (“Nikkel”). The Trustee re-alleges paragraphs 1 through 238 as if fully set forth herein. et al. Sony Corp. but no later than January 1. Saed was transferred to this District and the 10 Individual Class Action Complaints were consolidated for pretrial proceedings. the Third Consolidated Direct Purchaser Class Action 14 Complaint was filed [Docket No. 2009) (“Saed. Defendants and their co-conspirators unlawfully restrained trade in the United States 28 61 CASE NO. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 September 23. In formulating and carrying out the alleged agreement..D.C. the Second Consolidated Direct Purchaser Class Action Complaint was filed LOS ANGELES. No. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 2010.. 1]. Beginning at a time presently unknown to the Trustee.
TUCHIN. 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 • Selling ODDs to customers in the United States. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . 19 242. the Trustee requests: 24 A. 22 V. As a result of Defendants’ and their co-conspirators’ unlawful conduct. 17 • Agreeing to maintain or lower production capacity. at 14 noncompetitive prices. conduct. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 agreements reached. and price 8 ranges for ODDs. contract. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 • Issuing price announcements and price quotations in accordance with the KLEE. and 18 • Providing false statements to the public regarding prices for ODDs. 27 28 62 CASE NO. PRAYER FOR RELIEF 23 WHEREFORE. 7 • Communicating in writing and orally to fix target prices. 9 • Agreeing to manipulate the prices for and supply of ODDs sold in the United States 10 in a manner that deprived ODD purchasers of free and open competition. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 64 of 65 1 and damaged the competitive process. including Circuit City. 15 • Exchanging competitively sensitive information. LOS ANGELES. 5 • Sharing these pricing and other discussions with other members of the ODD 6 industry to further the conspiracy. floor prices. That the unlawful agreement. including by engaging in the following anticompetitive 2 acts: 3 • Participating in meetings and conversations to discuss the prices and supply of 4 ODDs. conspiracy or combination alleged 25 herein be adjudged and decreed to be a restraint of trade or commerce in violation of section 1 of 26 the Sherman Act. 16 in order to facilitate the conspiracy. including customer information. Circuit City 20 was injured in its business and property in that it paid more for ODDs than it otherwise would 21 have paid in the absence of the conspiracy.
TUCHIN. 2016 Respectfully submitted. the Trustee demands a trial by 14 jury as to all issues so triable. 6 D. Case 3:10-md-02143-RS Document 2158 Filed 12/23/16 Page 65 of 65 1 B. CALIFORNIA 90067 TELEPHONE: 310-407-4000 13 Pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 38(b). BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 18 19 /s/ Robert J. That the Trustee be awarded such other further relief as the Court may deem just 1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS. TUCHIN. BOGDANOFF & STERN LLP 12 VI. Siegel. Inc. That the Trustee recover costs and disbursements of suit. punitive or exemplary damages. and 10 F. Pfister 20 Attorneys for Plaintiff Alfred H. 4 C. Pfister Robert J. jointly and severally. in such 3 amount.and post-judgment interest at the highest rate for 7 the largest term permitted by law or equity. That the Trustee recover trebled damages. as provided by applicable law. KLEE. and that a 2 judgment be entered in favor of the Trustee against Defendants. including reasonable 9 attorneys’ fees as provided by law. That the Trustee obtain penalties. THIRTY-NINTH FLOOR 11 and proper. JURY DEMAND LOS ANGELES. as Trustee for 21 the Circuit City Stores. and/or full 5 consideration. 3:15-cv-03248-RS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT . That the Trustee be awarded pre. where applicable law so permits. 15 16 DATED: December 23. 8 E. 17 KLEE. Liquidating Trust 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 63 CASE NO.
Factors affecting new product adoption in the consumer electronics industry.

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