Plaintiffs v National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)
Hausfeld LLP Files Class Action Over Guitar Prices
Michael Hausfeld, founder of Hausfeld LLP, filed an anti-trust class action against the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Guitar Center and major guitar manufacturers over an alleged industry-wide plan to prop up instrument prices. Hausfeld is joined on the suit, filed Oct. 13 at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, by Hausfeld LLP partner Hilary Ratway-Scherrer and a team from Philadelphia-based Spector Roseman Kodroff & Willis, including partners Jeffrey Kodroff, Jeffrey Corrigan and Jay Cohen.
The controversy over guitar prices has been simmering since March, when the Federal Trade Commission issued a cease and desist order to NAMM after settling charges that the group had fostered anti-competitive behavior using its trade shows. Instrument makers and retailers allegedly met at the events to establish price floors for their products. Since September, lawyers have filed a series of class actions in the Southern District of California against the companies involved.
In California, Latham & Watkins partner Charles Samel has appeared for Guitar Center, the nations largest instrument retailer. Howrey partner David Mayer has appeared for NAMM. A team from Bryan Cave, including partners Lawrence Scarborough and J. Alex Grimsley represents guitar maker Fender.
For more information please contact:
Hausfeld LLP
202.540.7200 ph
202.540.7201 fax
1700 K Street, NW Suite 650
Washington, DC 20006
