Federal Court Approves Class Action Lawsuit Against Electronic Arts, Inc.

A federal judge approved and certified a national class action lawsuit against Electronic Arts ("EA"), a video game maker, based on claims alleging that video game consumers overpaid for popular sports games, for example Madden NFL. According to the lawsuit, the defendant company, EA, violated antitrust and consumer protection laws by holding exclusive license agreements with National Football League (NFL), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Arena Football League. The class action protects consumers who purchased NFL, NCAA or Arena Football League branded video games produced and released by Electronic Arts, Inc. (EA) after January 1, 2005.

According to representatives for plaintiffs, consumers now have a legal standing to demand that EA refund consumers millions of dollars it made from Madden NFL and other sports titles through what was alleged to be an illegal price-gouging scheme. Attorneys for class members believe that the exclusive agreements held by EA were unfairly profitable at the expense of consumers in the video game world. It was through these agreements that Electronic Arts developed and published highly coveted sports titles that generated billions of dollars in sales while restricting competition.

Video game industry reports claim that Madden NFL is Electronic Arts' biggest sports franchise in the United States, and occupies four of the top 10 best selling games in the nation. The 67-page court order provided further explanation behind the judge's decision to certify the class action lawsuit, and granted the plaintiffs' request to represent respective class members seeking punitive damages against Electronic Arts. The judge, however, excluded consumers who purchased similar games sold for mobile devices from the class action. The judge also declined the plaintiff's request for an injunctive relief, and will allow testimony from video game industry expert, Jill Hamburger.

Additional court documents are under seal. Class members who wish to be notified of further development may contact our law firm. A class notice will be sent to class members in the next 60 days.

Gray and White Law is among the top law firms of Kentucky, and nationwide, and is an experienced law firm with decades of success litigating claims relating to antitrust, consumer fraud, consumer protection, and wage & hour lawsuits. Our law firm has a winning track record and a strong reputation for vigorously protecting the rights of consumers and employees nationwide. If you suspect that you, or someone you care about, was the victim of unfair and/or fraudulent business practices, you should contact our lawyers immediately for your free legal consultation. We are available to learn about your case and to address any questions or concerns you may have at your convenience, simply contact us toll-free at 1-800-634-8767 or by confidential e-mail.