ParTech point-of-sale system finger scan $790K class action settlement

ParTech agreed to a $790,000 settlement to resolve claims that its point-of-sale restaurant systems violated biometric privacy laws.

The settlement benefits individuals who scanned their finger on a scanner attached to a point-of-sale system issued, leased or sold to their employer by ParTech between March 21, 2014, and March 3, 2022. 

ParTech is a restaurant point-of-sale provider that has over 500,000 terminals deployed around the world. According to the company’s website, over 100,000 restaurants operate with ParTech’s EverServ point-of-sale system while more than 10,000 restaurants run the company’s Brink point-of-sale system.

According to a 2019 class action from a restaurant worker, ParTech wrongfully collects and stores fingerprints connected at its point-of-sale systems. The plaintiff allegedly used her finger scan to operate a ParTech point-of-sale system at her restaurant job in Illinois. Despite the fact that these systems regularly collected and stored biometric data, the plaintiff contends ParTech failed to comply with Illinois biometric law.

The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) protects fingerprints, retinal scans and other biometrics by regulating the way this information is collected, stored and destroyed. To comply with BIPA, companies must provide clear disclosures about how they are collecting, storing and using collected biometric information. BIPA also requires companies to maintain a public retention and destruction schedule for biometric data so consumers know how long companies will hold onto their sensitive data.

ParTech allegedly failed to comply with these and other regulations under BIPA. The plaintiff sought financial compensation under the law, which allows for liquidated damages of up to $5,000 per violation.

ParTech hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve the claims with a $790,000 settlement deal.

Under the terms of the ParTech biometric privacy settlement agreement, class members can receive a cash payment representing their equal share of the net settlement fund. 

Exact payment amounts will vary depending on the number of claims filed and the amount deducted in various fees. However, according to the settlement website, class members are estimated to receive between $670 and $1,340. Actual payment amounts could be higher or lower.

Unclaimed checks issued by the settlement will be donated to Southern Smoke Foundation’s Chicago Restaurant Worker Relief Fund.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is May 26, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the ParTech biometric privacy settlement is scheduled for July 20, 2022.

In order to receive a payment from the settlement, Class Members must submit a valid claim form by June 2, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits individuals who scanned their finger on a scanner attached to a point-of-sale system issued, leased, or sold to their employer by ParTech between March 21, 2014 and March 3, 2022.

Potential Award

Between $670 and $1,340

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

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

06/02/2022

Case Name

Neals v. Partech, Inc., Case No. 19-cv-05660, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District

Final Hearing

07/20/2022

Settlement Website

ParIlBIPASettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Neals v ParTech
c/o Kroll Settlement Administrator
P.O Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
info@parilbipasettlement.com
833-910-4497

Class Counsel

Schuyler Ufkes
EDELSON PC

Defense Counsel

John T Ruskusky
NIXON PEABODY LLP