On Mar. 3, 2015, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh granted preliminary approval to a proposed $415 million settlement of a class action concerning alleged anti-solicitation agreements among certain Silicon Valley high-tech companies. In re High-Tech Emps. Antitrust Litig., No. 5:11-cv-2509-LHK (N.D. Cal. Mar. 3, 2015), Dkt. No. 1054. Orrick's previous coverage of the case, in which Judge Koh declined to approve the original settlement totaling $324.5 million, is available here. Class members have until May 21, 2015, to opt out or object to the proposed settlement. Judge Koh will hold a final approval hearing on July 9, 2015.
Judge Koh's Order is available here.
On April 3, 2015, in a related action, Judge Koh granted defendants' motion to dismiss a complaint alleging that various visual animation studios entered into anti-solicitation agreements and otherwise conspired to suppress the compensation of their employees. In re Animation Workers Antitrust Litig., No. 5:14-cv-4062-LHK, 2015 WL 1522368 (N.D. Cal. Apr. 3, 2015), Dkt. No. 105. Judge Koh held that plaintiffs' complaint was untimely because plaintiffs did not allege any wrongful conduct occurring within four years prior to the date the complaint was filed, and because plaintiffs did not allege sufficient facts to rely on either the continuing wrong or fraudulent concealment doctrines to sue for alleged wrongful acts taking place more than four years before the action was filed. Judge Koh granted plaintiffs leave to amend within 30 days.
Judge Koh's Order is available here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.