Gilead Sciences HIV privacy $4M class action settlement

Gilead Sciences agreed to pay $4 million to resolve a class action lawsuit claiming it failed to maintain HIV status privacy when sending mailings. 

The settlement benefits individuals who received an envelope from Gilead Sciences between April 15 and 30, 2020, with the words “HIV Prevention Team” on the face of the envelope in the return address; 18,192 class members are included under this definition.

Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit claim Gilead’s HIV-related mailings violated their privacy. According to the class action lawsuit, Gilead should have concealed all mention of HIV status to protect recipients from emotional and economic harm. 

Gilead is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on HIV treatment.

The company hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $4 million class action settlement to resolve the privacy claims against it.

Under the terms of the settlement, all class members are eligible for a base payment of $100. Class members may be eligible for additional awards if they can prove they were harmed by Gilead’s conduct. The settlement allows for up to $500 for non-economic harm such as emotional distress, anxiety or fear. Class members can receive up to $2,000 if they can show proof of non-reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses related to the mailer.

Any funds remaining in the settlement fund after payments, awards and costs are distributed will be donated to the Positive Women’s Network USA.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is April 24, 2023.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for June 29, 2023.

To receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by April 24, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who received an envelope from Gilead between April 15 and 30, 2020, with the words “HIV Prevention Team” on the face of the envelope in the return address.

Potential Award

$2,600

Proof of Purchase

Documentation of economic harm related to the mailer.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

04/24/2023

Case Name

Doe, et al. v. Gilead Sciences Inc., Case No. 20-CIV-03699, in the California Superior Court for San Mateo County

Final Hearing

06/29/2023

Settlement Website

MailerSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Gilead Mailer Settlement c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
info@mailersettlement.com
833-630-9973

Class Counsel

Shanon J. Carson
John Albanese
Sophia Rios
BERGER MONTAGUE

John Grogan
Kevin Trainer
LGD

Ronda B. Goldfein
Yolanda French Lollis
Adrian Lowe
AIDS LAW PROJECT

Defense Counsel

Kenneth L. Chernof
Angel Tang Nakamura
Stephanie N. Kang
Alexander S. Altman
David B. Schwartz
Hannah R. Coleman
ARNOLD & PORTER KAYE SCHOLER LLP