Millions of UK Apple and Samsung users could be in line for an unexpected windfall after a legal claim was filed against chipmaker Qualcomm for allegedly inflating smartphone costs.
Some 29 million product users could receive £17 compensation each.
The legal battle between consumer champion Which? and technology giant Qualcomm begins tomorrow at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London.
Which? alleges Qualcomm breached competition law, driving up prices paid by manufacturers, and ultimately by consumers, since October 2015.
The case centres on allegations that Qualcomm exploited its dominant market position, leading to consumers paying excessive prices for their devices.
Which? claims the American chipmaker breached UK competition law through anti-competitive practices in two key areas: patent-licensing and chipset markets.
The five-week trial marks the first phase of proceedings that could result in compensation for millions of British smartphone users.
The case represents one of the largest consumer actions of its kind in the UK.
A major legal battle between consumer champion Which? and tech giant Qualcomm begins tomorrow at London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal
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The consumer group maintains that Apple and Samsung faced inflated technology licensing costs from the American firm.
These charges were subsequently transferred to British consumers through elevated smartphone prices or compromised device quality.
The alleged anti-competitive behaviour spans nearly a decade of smartphone purchases.
Should Which? succeed in its first stage, a subsequent trial will address the company’s specific conduct and assess consumer damages.
Should Which? succeed in this first stage, a subsequent trial will address the company’s specific conduct and assess consumer damages
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PEXELSThe consumer group has calculated total damages at approximately £480million across the affected customer base.
This translates to an average compensation of roughly £17 for each smartphone purchased during the relevant period.
The claim encompasses all Apple and Samsung devices bought by UK consumers between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024.
This eight-year timeframe reflects the period during which Which? alleges Qualcomm’s anti-competitive practices inflated smartphone costs for British buyers.
The consumer group maintains that Apple and Samsung faced inflated technology licensing costs from the American firm
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APPLE PRESS OFFICE | GBNWhich? Chief Executive Anabel Hoult described the proceedings as “a huge moment”.
She said: “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 American technology company has yet to provide a statement regarding the allegations.
GB News has approached Qualcomm for comment.