Cognism Inc. Privacy Class Action Settlement

Cognism Inc.

Consumers who lived in Alabama, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio or South Dakota. were not a registered user of Cognism.com and had a free trial user view their contact profile on the site during certain periods may qualify to claim $22.50 to $150 from a class action settlement.

Cognism Inc. agreed to pay $525,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it improperly displayed individuals’ contact information to free trial users, potentially violating privacy laws in several states.

Who can file a claim?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

They are a resident of one of these states:

Alabama
California
Illinois
Indiana
Nevada
Ohio
South Dakota

They were not a registered user of Cognism.com at any time during the relevant period for their state:

Alabama: Sept. 20, 2020, to March 11, 2025
California: Sept. 20, 2020, to March 11, 2025
Illinois: Sept. 20, 2021, to March 11, 2025
Indiana: Sept. 20, 2020, to March 11, 2025
Nevada: Sept. 20, 2018, to March 11, 2025
Ohio: Sept. 20, 2018, to March 11, 2025
South Dakota: Sept. 20, 2019, to March 11, 2025

A free trial user on Cognism.com viewed their profile during the state-specific time window.

If an individual received a notice about this settlement, Cognism’s records indicate they are likely a class member. However, those who did not receive a notice may still be eligible if they meet all the criteria.

How much can class members get?

Eligible class members who file a valid and timely claim will receive a cash payment. The specific amount depends on their state of residence according to Cognism’s records:

Alabama: $150
California: $22.50
Illinois: $30
Indiana: $30
Nevada: $22.50
Ohio: $75
South Dakota: $30

How to claim a class action rebate

Class members can file a claim online or download, print and complete the PDF claim form (Page 44 of the settlement agreement) and mail or email it to the settlement administrator. The claim deadline is Dec. 10, 2025.

Settlement administrator's contact information: Cognism Right of Publicity Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 25226 Santa Ana, CA 92799, info@CognismSettlement.com

Required information

To file an online claim, class members must log in with the notice ID and PIN from the settlement notice they received. Those who are unable to locate their ID and PIN should contact the settlement administrator by emailing info@CognismSettlement.com or calling 844-496-0993 and providing their full name and mailing address.

Payout options

PayPal
Venmo
Zelle
Virtual prepaid card
Paper check

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund covers:

Settlement administration costs: To be determined
Attorneys’ fees and costs: Up to $525,000
Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,500
Payments to eligible class members: Not affected by the above costs

Important dates

Opt-out deadline: Nov. 10, 2025
Final approval hearing: Dec. 9, 2025
Deadline to file a claim: Dec. 10, 2025

When is the Cognism settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will distribute payments after the court grants final approval and resolves any appeals.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged Cognism Inc. displayed individuals' contact information to free trial users in a way that violated privacy laws in Alabama, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio and South Dakota.

Cognism denied any wrongdoing. Both sides agreed to settle to avoid the costs, risks and uncertainties of ongoing litigation and to provide compensation to affected individuals.