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2h ago

UK Trial Opens in Which? £480m Case Alleging Qualcomm Drove Up Smartphone Prices

A five-week hearing will test whether Qualcomm held and abused market power before any damages are considered.

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People with iPhones and other smartphones could already be part of the claim (Photo: hapabapa/ Getty Images/ iStock Editorial)

Overview

  • Proceedings began at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London with Which?’s opening submissions outlining alleged threats of chipset supply disruption to secure inflated royalties.
  • Which? brings the opt-out claim on behalf of about 29 million UK buyers of Apple and Samsung phones purchased between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024.
  • The consumer group estimates total damages at roughly £480 million, equating to around £17 per affected device if the claim ultimately succeeds.
  • Qualcomm rejects the allegations as baseless and is expected to deliver its opening submissions on Tuesday.
  • The case forms the first stage of a two-part process and follows years of global scrutiny of Qualcomm’s licensing practices, including an EU fine and a separate Canadian action.