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Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

reuters.com

21–30 of 109 posts

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#22
post #16

Why in the world would those 64k employees take this offer? It was clear that they were going to pay for this and that a jury would be sympathetic. Was there really any chance that the amount gained could have be lower for the plaintiffs had this case gone to a jury trial? If not, then why didn't they go to trial?

It actually addresses this. The report explains that there's a chance the whole thing would have been invalidated by an appellate judge. Still, personally as a class member I would've pressed for more, and I bet it's because the firm has different incentives. They probably stand to get something on the order of $100M of that settlement. They're thinking, $100M in the hand is worth $1B in the bush. Especially since go…

That's the reason for the lawyers to settle, A $100 million in fees will feed a family of four. There's no reason to be greedy about it.

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#23
post #17
post #7

This will leave a bad taste in the mouth around these companies. Apple really sound like a disgusting corporation when you look behind their well orchestrated PR image.

Just out of curiosity, why did you choose to call out Apple particularly?

They are the antithesis of what I believe a technology company should be. Everything is closed source, locked down and designed to make maximum profit at the expense of the customer/developer/artist.

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#25
I think the repercussions of this are wildly underestimated by Apple's and Google's management, and they are not doing nearly enough to prevent upcoming mass resignations of their engineers.

I'm just extrapolating from my own emotions on the issue. I'd previously thought very positively about going to work for Apple. Not so anymore. To me, the fact that Tim Cook's voice isn't clearly heard, completely rejecting this sort of practice, issuing a public apology on behalf of Apple, and ensuring to compensate employees by more than a few thousand dollars each - Is just too big of a de-motivator.

We need the CEOs to clearly voice their accountability, and their plans to prevent this from happening again, the sooner the better.

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#26
post #21

The settlement will give 3-5K per employee. Hardly anything. I wonder why they settled, instead of going ahead with the trial. I'm totally unsympathetic with these companies, and now they are just getting away literally free.

You can go on for years. The paper bill you own doesn't hold up its value. You can keep $1 in your pocket but five years from now it hardly actually worth $1. Furthermore, how much is fair? 300K per person? Some of them could have gotten a 50K bump by switching to a new employer. If anything, large sum large number of plaintiffs is usually one of the longest trials you will ever experience if neither side let it go. You can withdraw from the case and start your own lawsuit for more, I guess that can work in legal.

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#28
post #6
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Plus more from other companies?

The article text says "Four major tech companies including Apple and Google have agreed to pay a total of $324 million". Google and Apple are just the ones that get the bad press in headlines.

Or good press, from an investor's perspective.

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#29
post #17
post #7

This will leave a bad taste in the mouth around these companies. Apple really sound like a disgusting corporation when you look behind their well orchestrated PR image.

Just out of curiosity, why did you choose to call out Apple particularly?

There's always one...

Re: Apple, Google to pay $324 million to settle conspiracy lawsuit

#30
post #16

Why in the world would those 64k employees take this offer? It was clear that they were going to pay for this and that a jury would be sympathetic. Was there really any chance that the amount gained could have be lower for the plaintiffs had this case gone to a jury trial? If not, then why didn't they go to trial?

It actually addresses this. The report explains that there's a chance the whole thing would have been invalidated by an appellate judge. Still, personally as a class member I would've pressed for more, and I bet it's because the firm has different incentives. They probably stand to get something on the order of $100M of that settlement. They're thinking, $100M in the hand is worth $1B in the bush. Especially since go…

I can't believe there's a 90% chance that the class action would be rejected. The companies got off ridiculously cheap. Yet another example of illegal behavior remaining very profitable even after legal action.
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