Facts

Janet Skold and David Dossantos brought a class action against Intel Corp. and Hewlett Packard Co.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that Intel manipulated performance scores related to the release of its "Pentium 4" processor by secretly writing benchmark tests that it passed off as being developed by an independent, objective third-party. Plaintiff further alleged that these benchmarks falsely improved previous poor performance scores for the Pentium 4. Plaintiff contended that Intel's manipulation of the performance scores allowed it to charge an exaggerated price for the Pentium 4.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants denied the allegations of plaintiffs' claims.

Result

A class-wide settlement was reached with Intel. Under the settlement, Intel agreed to pay $15 to each class member who submitted a valid claim establishing certain criteria, such as the make of the computer and the date it was purchased. Intel further agreed to donate either products or funds amounting to at least $4,000,000 to non-profit entities that would be agreed to by the parties and approved by the court. Intel also agreed to pay plaintiff's counsel fees and costs up to $16.45 million. The court granted preliminary approval of the settlement.