Aug. 1 deadline for claims in computer settlement

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois officials say consumers have until Aug. 1 to claim money they may have overpaid for computerized equipment containing DRAM, a type of electronic memory chip.

The claims may be made under a $310 million settlement reached with Illinois and other states in a federal antitrust lawsuit.

People who bought computers and other electronic devices from 1998 to 2002 could be eligible. Buyers could have paid more than a fair price for products including DRAM - short for dynamic random access memory.

The states that sued alleged that DRAM manufacturers conspired to artificially raise the price of the chips from 1998 to 2002.

Those who purchased directly from a DRAM manufacturer are not eligible.

The settlement also requires DRAM manufacturers to implement antitrust compliance programs.