Five instrument manufacturers, namely Fender, Yamaha, Korg, Roland, and Casio, are currently embroiled in class action lawsuits. These legal proceedings have been triggered by the 2019 and 2020 findings of the UK’s regulatory body, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which uncovered their involvement in price-fixing activities.
These litigation efforts have been set in motion by the legal firm Pogust Goodhead and consumer rights advocate Elisabetta Sciallis, intending to obtain compensation for the customers affected by these manufacturers. This legal action follows a precedent set by a similar case against Fender initiated in 2022. In 2020, the CMA had also penalized Fender for price-fixing, imposing a £4.5 million fine.
Seeking Justice for Price-Fixing Victims
Price-fixing, as defined by the UK CMA, revolves around suppliers compelling retailers not to sell products below predetermined prices, ultimately causing prices artificially inflated, disadvantaging consumers seeking fair deals. When companies control resale prices, customers encounter challenges in effectively comparing prices or negotiating with retailers to secure the best bargains.
In 2020, the CMA likewise established that Roland, Korg, and Yamaha had engaged in price-fixing activities within the UK market, resulting in fines of slightly over £4 million for Roland and £1.5 million for Korg. Despite its involvement in the class action, Yamaha was exempted from fines due to its cooperation with the investigation. Conversely, Casio faced a £3.7 million penalty in 2019.
The primary objective of these class action lawsuits is to obtain reimbursements for all consumers affected by these practices. Pogust Goodhead actively encourages UK-based customers who purchased from Yamaha, Korg, Roland, Casio, and Fender within specific timeframes to indicate their interest in participating in these class action claims.
It’s important to note that besides their brand names, these companies own other brands. During the relevant periods, Yamaha owned Line 6 and Ampeg, Roland possessed the effects pedal brand Boss, and Korg owned Vox and Takamine.
Any UK customer who bought musical instruments or accessories from the specified manufacturers during the following timeframes is automatically included in the relevant class action claim:
- Fender: 2013-2019
- Yamaha: 2013-2018
- Roland: 2011-2019
- Korg: 2015-2019
- Casio: 2015-2019
