BRIEFLY.
Hard Drive Component Makers Accused of Price Fixing
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1 min read
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Briefly Editorial Team

Hard Drive Component Makers Accused of Price Fixing

TL;DR

  • •13-year price fixing scheme impacted 97% of HDD market
  • •Consumers and resellers seek compensation
  • •Case follows 2019 antitrust lawsuit
  • •Canadian version already approved

Why it matters

This case could set antitrust precedents, affect HDD pricing, and force manufacturers to compensate affected consumers.

Lawsuit Against HDD Component Suppliers

A U.S. class-action lawsuit accuses TDK and NHK Spring of price fixing in HDD components from 2003 to 2016. These companies supply 97% of the global HDD market, making them central to the case.

Technical Background

Magnetic head suspensions produced by the defendants enable precise positioning of read/write heads in HDDs. Plaintiffs claim the collusion increased HDD manufacturing costs, which were passed on to consumers.

Legal Context

The case continues an antitrust lawsuit from 2019 against the same companies. A Canadian class-action suit was already approved in 2022 after the defendants' appeal was rejected. No trial date has been set in the U.S. yet.

Market Implications

If plaintiffs win, consumers and resellers could receive compensation. This might lead to lower HDD prices and stricter antitrust oversight in the industry. Individuals can opt out of the class action until August 23, 2026.