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The private firm begins to properly contribute to the fund raising efforts of selected politicians so as to have the government turn its attention to other companies who are not performing their civic duty by contributing to vibrant democracy.

Usually the government gets a fine or change in behavior.

Afterwards, individual claimants sue the loser, using the facts of the government case. For example, a few states have sued Intel and LCD manufacturers after an FTC ruling.

Monetarily, the Government gets the fine. Then this money disappears into the bureaucracy and the people that were allegedly hurt receive none of it.

"To collect your $2.35 share of the settlement payment, please fill out this form and mail it within 10 days."

"Be sure to include a certified bank cheque for a $4.99 processing fee."

With the antitrust cases against Microsoft by the EU I remember them getting a fine. And this fine was paid to the EU.

Any companies that felt they were entitled to compensation had to sue Microsoft and point to the antitrust case.