Which? claims Qualcomm charged manufacturers like Apple and Samsung inflated fees for technology licences, which it says would have led to higher prices for customers
Millions of people who previously purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone could be entitled to compensation if a landmark legal claim brought by Which? against a tech giant is successful.
The case centers around if Qualcomm held market power and, if it did, whether it abused its position. Qualcomm is a global technology company that designs and manufactures wireless telecommunications products, software, and services.
Which? claims Qualcomm charged manufacturers like Apple and Samsung inflated fees for technology licences, which it says would have then been passed on to customers in the form of higher prices.
The trial begins today and is scheduled to run for five weeks at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. If this first stage is successful, there will be a second trial where Which? will be seeking damages estimated to be around £480million.
Which? says those who purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone between October 1, 2015 and January 9, 2024 could potentially be affected.
If successful, the consumer champion estimates 29 million individuals would get around £17 in compensation per phone. The claim would automatically include consumers that purchased particular models of Apple or Samsung smartphones.
But at this stage, there is no guarantee that compensation will be paid – the case must first be successful in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Which? chief executive Anabel Hoult said: “This trial is a huge moment. It shows how the power of consumers – backed by Which? – can be used to hold the biggest companies to account if they abuse their dominant position.
“Without Which? bringing this claim on behalf of millions of affected UK consumers, it would simply not be realistic for people to seek damages from the company on an individual basis – that’s why it’s so important that consumers can come together and claim the redress they are entitled to.”
The Mirror has contacted Qualcomm for comment.
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