Update on iPod Settlement

[mrzeve]

Got an email from a rep:


Dear Zeve,

On August 25, 2005, the Court granted final approval of the settlement and entered judgment. The judgment is expected to become final on October 25, 2005. Under the terms of the settlement, the Claims Administrator can begin processing the claim forms after the judgment has become final. We are working with Apple and the Claims Administrator to expedite the claims process and the distribution of the settlement benefits. We will provide an update on our website once we have further information.

Although confirmation of claims is not going out, you can call the Claims Administrator's number, printed in the Instructions, to find out whether your claim has been received. For your convenience, that information is printed below. Please let me know if you have additional questions.

To reach a specialist at the Claims Administration office, dial 1-888-385-3085 and select option 4 (FAQs) and then option 19 (followed by the pound key). Option 19 is for people who need help filling out the claims form or to verify if they have, in fact, received their claim form. If all of them are busy you can leave a message to have someone call you back.

Andrea


Andrea N. Winternitz
Paralegal
Girard Gibbs & De Bartolomeo LLP
601 California Street, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 981-4800
Fax: (415) 981-4846
anw@girardgibbs.com
www.girardgibbs.com

[thejadedmonkey]

I wish I got an email :(

Thanks though!

[devilot]

Got an email from a rep:Thank you so much for posting that info.

Just curious, were you anxious about your claim and thus went out of your way to email this rep? Or did you just happen to get an email?

[mrzeve]

Thank you so much for posting that info.

Just curious, were you anxious about your claim and thus went out of your way to email this rep? Or did you just happen to get an email?

I was anxious. Should have been more clearier in stating that this was a REPLY to my email.

Sorry!

[mrzeve]

So I called in yesterday to find out if my claim had been received (it had) and then asked the rep when I should be expecting my compensation.

I was told November would be the month when everyone would be getting their claims. However no one could tell me if it was in the begining, middle, or end of november.

Regardless - I then asked about what I would be receiving. She asked me if I selected the $50 gift card or if I asked for a replacement battery. I told her I requested the battery and she then informed me that Apple would likely be sending me a box to put my iPod in, and they would just give me a new (I bet its refurbished) iPod. She also said that she did not know if it would be one of the newer models.

My guess is we will be receiving the 20gb 4th gen models that they have left over in the repair house. But then again, who knows?

[puckhead193]

has the date passed to send in your claim... :o cause money towards a new ipod would be nice

[caribiner23]

Excellent news, Zeve-- I was just wondering about this.

Since I replaced the battery in my 3G 15 GB iPod myself (not a difficult task with the right tools) I opted for the $50 gift card.

Now the question is what to spend it on.... :-)

[devilot]

Once again, thank you so much mrzeve for doing the grunt work and finding out more info for the rest of us. I'm excited because I also elected to get a battery replacement (way I figured, if I really wanted money from the iPod I could always sell it).

Question: How do you find your claim number?! How did you reference your claim; was your name and address enough?So I called in yesterday to find out if my claim had been received (it had) and then asked the rep when I should be expecting my compensation.

I was told November would be the month when everyone would be getting their claims. However no one could tell me if it was in the begining, middle, or end of november.

Regardless - I then asked about what I would be receiving. She asked me if I selected the $50 gift card or if I asked for a replacement battery. I told her I requested the battery and she then informed me that Apple would likely be sending me a box to put my iPod in, and they would just give me a new (I bet its refurbished) iPod. She also said that she did not know if it would be one of the newer models.

My guess is we will be receiving the 20gb 4th gen models that they have left over in the repair house. But then again, who knows?

[mrzeve]

Once again, thank you so much mrzeve for doing the grunt work and finding out more info for the rest of us. I'm excited because I also elected to get a battery replacement (way I figured, if I really wanted money from the iPod I could always sell it).

Question: How do you find your claim number?! How did you reference your claim; was your name and address enough?

Yep. Just call the 888 number listed in my original post and follow those options. Theyre going to ask you for your last name and thats it.

Let me know.

[rosalindavenue]

has the date passed to send in your claim... :o cause money towards a new ipod would be nice

I think the deadline was 31 August. My 3G was eligible; however, you had to certify that you made a good faith effort to perform the test: "fully charged, with headphones, in on shuffle-- did you get less than 4 hours." I got about 5; so I was not eligible. Of course, if you ever access the hard drive any (changing songs or playlists) you get way less than 4 hours. Oh well. :mad:

[devilot]

Okay so I called in...

Get this, the original letter they mailed me did not have my last name... sooo, my claim has to be faxed in. :( No fax at my place. Sigh. So much trouble!

So I am on file but, my file has to be amended to show my last name as well. Thank you so much, mrzeve!!! If it wasn't for you and this thread, I might not have ever found out why my claim went ignored! :p

[F4Rid]

so i called them and they do have my claim form. i asked the guy when they are going to be sending stuff (vouchers or replacements) and he said they have said to start mailing stuff in january. so i guess we have to wait until next year.

[mrzeve]

so i called them and they do have my claim form. i asked the guy when they are going to be sending stuff (vouchers or replacements) and he said they have said to start mailing stuff in january. so i guess we have to wait until next year.

Yep I just called and was told the same.

And no problem guys. Glad to help.

[stonebiz]

Thanks for the info on the battery settlement. I have been searching for information with no luck until I found MacRumors. I tried calling Apple and visiting their web site but that didn't help. Such a good feeling when finally finding an answer to what I thought should have been easy info to find but wasn't.

The iPod is my son's. I understand from what you wrote that he (having opted for the new battery) will have to send his current iPod back to be replaced. He is actually very happy with the model he has; he just wanted a new battery to replace the one that never held a charge for very long. Thanks again.

[mrzeve]

Apple has filed an Appeal against this case.

I dont see iPods coming our ways for a good 6+ months.

[jab1981]

Is it just me or should they just get this over with. Seems like they'd save alot more money and energy by just settling up now. I don't know who they're trying to fool.

[jab1981]

Apple has filed an Appeal against this case.

I dont see iPods coming our ways for a good 6+ months.

Did you read that Apple is claiming they didn't file the appeal? Has there been any news on that?

[iMeowbot]

Did you read that Apple is claiming they didn't file the appeal? Has there been any news on that?
Girard Gibbs say that "two individuals" filed the appeal but haven't named them.

[mrzeve]

Little Update

I found out that it was actually 2 iPod users who submitted the appeal.

Aka they were eligible for the settlement but decided to be jerks to the other millions of people.

[AudiGuy]

oops wrong thead

[mrzeve]

On December 20, 2005, the appeal filed by individual objectors to the Settlement was dismissed and the Settlement is now Final. This means Apple and the Settlement Administrator can move forward with claims administration and claims fulfillment.

Deadlines relating to claim submissions have not changed. Class members should comply with the claim filing deadlines identified by the Settlement. For Generation 3 iPods, the claim form submission must be postmarked within two years of the original product purchase date. The deadline for submitting Generation 1 and Generation 2 iPod claims expired on 9/30/05.

Heres an update guys.

[aricher]

It's about freekin' time. This probably means that it's going to be only another 2-3 months before I can expect a check.

[Daveway]

Seems like my $50 Apple Store credit will come just in time for MWSF purchases.:cool:

[Swytch]

I just called to get status... "The settlement is finalized, shipments are scheduled for Febuary 28th"

[Tommyg117]

no way! does anyone know how they will do it? My broken ipod is at home and my mom is away for the winter, while i'm at college! Will they send a box to put the broken one in or what?

[mrzeve]

I just called, they told me it should be shipping tomorrow, February 22nd.

[edge540]

What about the refunds, does anyone know when they are going to give us the 50 dollar certificates to the apple store? Ive been paciently waiting now for a long long time and i really want that Bluetooth keyboard for my Powerbook.

[skoker]

I just called about the $50 certificate I requested, they said that they will be shipping out in 'mid to late March'.

:rolleyes: What is taking them so long!?!? :eek:

[mrzeve]

I just called about the $50 certificate I requested, they said that they will be shipping out in 'mid to late March'.

:rolleyes: What is taking them so long!?!? :eek:

I find that funny. I mean, I asked for a replacement battery (hopefully it will be a new iPod, I mean, what do they expect me to take apart the freakin thing?) and its shipping tomorrow. But here you asked for a simple coupon and its going to take 3 weeks longer. Humph.

[thejadedmonkey]

Way to revive an age old thread...anywhos, thsi is great news! Now, I'll have another $50 to blow at the apple store...perhaps it's time to get a radio for my nano...hmmm

[Bibulous]

?

[mrzeve]

Claims Fulfillment Has Begun

The settlement is final, and claims are now being fulfilled.

Deadlines relating to claim submissions have not changed. Class members should comply with the claim filing deadlines identified by the Settlement. For Generation 3 iPods, the claim form submission must be postmarked within two years of the original product purchase date. The deadline for submitting Generation 1 and Generation 2 iPod claims expired on 9/30/05.

A) Approved Claim Submissions


1. Gen 1/2 and Gen 3 Store Credit claims

Fulfillment of approved claims for the $50 Store Credit will begin on April 7, 2006.
A Discount Code number and Instructions will be mailed to Claimants whose submissions were valid and complete.

2. Gen 1/2 Cash payment claims

Fulfillment of approved claims for the $25 Cash payment will begin on March 24, 2006.
Checks will be mailed to claimants whose submissions were valid and complete.

3. Gen 3 Battery Replacement claims

Fulfillment of approved claims for Gen 3 Battery Replacement will begin on April 7, 2006 and continue until completed. Apple will be performing Battery Replacements as rapidly as possible on a first-come, first-served basis. Claimants whose submissions were valid and complete will receive instructions for sending in their iPods and obtaining the Battery Replacement in the order claims were received (i.e. claims received first will receive instructions first).

Apple anticipates that Battery Replacement Instructions will be sent for all valid and complete claims received as of December 31, 2005 by approximately July 2006.

4. BRP Reimbursement claims

Fulfillment of approved claims for the Battery Replacement Program will begin on March 31, 2006.
Checks will be mailed to claimants whose submissions were valid and complete.

5. APP Reimbursements

Checks were mailed on February 10, 2006 to customers who obtained a Battery Replacement or repair under the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod.

Apple searched its records for Class Members who were entitled to this benefit and mailed a $25 check to all eligible Class Members who were identified.


B) Deficient Claim Submissions


This applies to all submitted claim types.

Deficient Claim notices will be distributed beginning April 14, 2006. Deficient Claim notices will be sent to all claimants whose claim forms were incomplete, didn't include the required information or attachments, or require some clarification. The Deficient Claim notices will identify the section of the form that is deficient or requires clarification. Claimants who receive Deficient Claim notices will have 60 days from the date on the notice to correct or clarify the claim and submit it for consideration.

[jab1981]

5. APP Reimbursements

Checks were mailed on February 10, 2006 to customers who obtained a Battery Replacement or repair under the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod.

Apple searched its records for Class Members who were entitled to this benefit and mailed a $25 check to all eligible Class Members who were identified.


Has anyone received their payments for the APP reimbursements yet? I'm still waiting on mine.

[jab1981]

Has anyone received their payments for the APP reimbursements yet? I'm still waiting on mine.

Anyone?

[kugino]

Anyone?
i just got mine today. $50 for a 2-gen ipod...it's dated "April 14, 2006" on the certificate i received.

[norcal]

Anyone out there receive any shipping info for their 3rd generation battery replacement claim? If so, how has it been handled so far?

Thanks!!

[jab1981]

Does anyone have any alternate contact information? It seems the original 800 number no longer works, or at least you can no longer speak to an actual individual. Apple never sent me my payment even though they were supposed to "check their records and send out the check". I was in contact with people at this number and they were looking in to it, but I can no longer get in touch with them.

Any ideas whom I should go to next?