Groupon is the target of a class action lawsuit over claims that certain vouchers contained expiration dates and other restrictions that were in violation of state and federal law. The lawsuit is entitled Groupon Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation and is in the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Groupon denies any action of wrongdoing but has agreed in terms to a $8,500,000 settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle. This is case number 3:11-md-02238. You could be a class member if you purchased or received a Groupon Voucher issued for redemption anytime between the dates of November 1, 2008 until December 1, 2011. If you’re a class member and are unhappy with the proposed settlement you have until 07-06-12 to make an objection. All objections must be filed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. A settlement fairness hearing will take place on 07-20-12 at 40 Front Street, Courtroom 10, San Diego, California 92101-8900 to determine of the settlement offer is fair and reasonable.
According to the settlement there will be two ways to collect a cash refund: “(1) If the merchant identified on the unredeemed Groupon Voucher you’re making a claim for is no longer in business, you may submit a claim form requesting a refund of the purchase price; or (2) If any merchant refuses to redeem a valid Settlement Voucher, you may submit a claim form to the Claims Administrator to receive a refund check for the purchase price you paid for the Groupon Voucher, plus 20% of the promotional value of the Voucher. All requests for refunds must be submitted within 185 days of issuance of the Settlement Voucher.”
The Settlement Agreement and the Preliminary Approval Order are available for download at the class administrators web portal.
