$32M Telescope Price Fixing Class Action Settlement

If you purchased a telescope between January 1, 2005, and September 6, 2023, you might be eligible to claim a portion of a class action settlement.

Synta Technology Corp. of Taiwan and related entities have agreed to pay $32 million to settle a class action lawsuit over allegations of price-fixing and market monopolization in the telescope industry.

Who can claim a payout?

You are a class member who can claim a payout if:

• You purchased one or more telescopes branded as Celestron, Orion, Skywatcher, Zhumell, or Meade indirectly from a retailer or distributor
• The purchase was made between January 1, 2005, and September 6, 2023
• You resided in one of the following states during the purchase: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wisconsin

How much are the payouts?

The settlement fund of $32 million will be distributed among eligible class members. The exact amount each member receives will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.

The distribution will be calculated on a pro rata basis, meaning the settlement fund will be divided among all approved claimants based on their eligible purchases.

For example, if the net settlement fund is $30 million after deducting legal fees and expenses, and there are 100,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $300. However, if there are 200,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $150.

How to claim a payout

In order to claim a payout, class members must submit a claim form with their provided claim ID number.

Class members can file a claim online or download a personalized PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator at Telescopes Antitrust Litigation Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 301172, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1172.

Claim instructions

1. Visit the online claim form.
2. Enter your personal information, including your name, address, contact details, and claim ID
3. Provide details about your telescope purchase, including the brand and date of purchase, and your state of residence at the time of purchase
4. Submit your claim online or mail the completed form to the provided address.

Payout methods

• Check mailed to the address provided in the claim form
• Electronic payment if the claim is submitted online

$32 Million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $32 million will cover various expenses, including attorney fees, administrative costs, and payments to class members.

The attorneys will receive fees not exceeding a third of the settlement fund, and litigation expenses are capped at $1.5 million.

Additionally, each named class representative will receive a service award of $3,000.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: May 20, 2025
• Fairness Hearing: April 3, 2025

When is the Telescopes Antitrust Litigation payout date?

The court will hold a fairness hearing on April 3, 2025, to determine whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be distributed to eligible class members who submitted valid claims.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants conspired to fix or stabilize prices, rig bids, and monopolize the market for consumer telescopes in the United States. The settlement allows class members to receive compensation without further litigation, avoiding the risks and costs of a trial.