$32 Million Class Action Settlement Approved in Telescope Price-Fixing Case

A major legal settlement of $32 million has been reached in a class action lawsuit against some of the biggest telescope manufacturers in the United States.

Companies like Synta and Ningbo Sunny, along with their affiliates, were accused of engaging in price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market manipulation.

If you purchased a telescope between January 1, 2005, and September 6, 2023, you may be eligible for compensation. This article explains who qualifies, how to file a claim, and what to expect from the settlement.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

For years, some telescope manufacturers allegedly fixed prices, controlled competition, and artificially inflated costs for consumers. This lawsuit claimed that due to these unfair business practices, customers ended up paying more than they should have for telescopes.

After a legal battle, the companies involved agreed to settle the case for $32 million rather than go to trial. This money will be distributed to eligible buyers who submit a valid claim before the deadline.

Who Is Eligible for a Payout?

To qualify for a share of the settlement, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Purchase Period:
   • You must have bought a telescope between January 1, 2005, and September 6, 2023.
2. Brands Covered Under the Settlement:
   • The lawsuit includes telescopes sold under several well-known brands, including:
     • Celestron
     • Orion
     • Sky-Watcher
     • Zhumell
     • Meade
3. Where You Live Matters:
   • Only residents of specific U.S. states can apply. The eligible states include:
     • Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, 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, and Wisconsin.

If you do not live in one of these states, unfortunately, you are not eligible for compensation.

How Much Money Can You Get?

The final payout depends on:

• How many people submit claims (the more claims, the smaller the individual payments).
• Legal and administrative costs deducted from the $32 million settlement fund.

While the exact amount each person will receive is unknown, it is expected that eligible claimants will get a fair portion of the settlement.

How to File a Claim?

If you qualify, follow these steps to apply for your settlement payout:

1. Check Your Eligibility
   • Confirm that you bought a telescope from an eligible brand within the qualifying period.
   • Ensure you live in an eligible U.S. state.
2. Submit a Claim Online
   • Visit the official settlement website (details can be found on legal settlement websites like OpenClassActions.com).
   • Look for the Telescope Class Action Settlement and click on the “Submit a Claim” option.
3. Provide Required Information
   • Fill out the claim form with your details.
   • At this time, proof of purchase is not required, but be prepared to provide receipts or other documents if requested later.
4. Submit Before the Deadline
   • The last date to file your claim is May 20, 2025.

Will You Need Proof of Purchase?

For now, you do not need to upload receipts or proof of purchase when submitting your claim. However, the settlement administrators or legal representatives may ask for proof later if they need to verify claims. If you still have old receipts, emails, or bank statements showing the purchase, it is a good idea to keep them safe.

How to Stay Updated?

To stay informed about this settlement and other class action lawsuits:

• Sign up for email alerts on legal claim websites like OpenClassActions.com.
• Regularly check the official settlement page for updates.
• Contact the settlement administrator if you have any doubts.

Final Thoughts

This $32 million settlement is a great opportunity for customers who unknowingly paid higher prices due to unfair business practices. If you bought a telescope between 2005 and 2023 and live in an eligible U.S. state, it is worth filing a claim.

The process is simple, and you could receive compensation for overpaid costs. Make sure to submit your claim before May 20, 2025 to get your share of the settlement.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.