Schaffer v. Hewlett Packard Company

This lawsuit alleged that certain models of HP Pavilion desktop computers contained a defective motherboard that causes the computers to suffer performance problems such as "hanging, freezing and locking. " HP denied these allegations and admitted no wrongdoing; however, to resolve the case, M&S negotiated a settlement with HP that provided meaningful relief for consumers. Under the settlement, Class members are entitled to a direct monetary payment, a discount certificate or both. Eligibility for benefits under the settlement depends upon (1) the HP Pavilion model a Class member purchased, (2) whether the Class member contacted HP before January 1, 2004 to complain of recurring "hanging, freezing, or locking" problems with his or her computer, and (3) whether HP remedied those recurring "hanging, freezing, or locking" problems.

A federal judge in Michigan approved the settlement and Class members were notified of the settlement in December 2005. The deadline to file a claim for benefits under the settlement was May 1, 2006. Settlement benefits were mailed to Class members in November 2006.