"But it could be years until this second stage concludes. "We filed this claim back in 2021, so this first trial being now in 2025 - it's obviously a bit of a slog," senior Which? lawyer Lisa Webb told the Today programme. "But the real benefit of this system is that as a consumer, you don't need to do anything... if we win, we will get you your money.""
"The consumer group is accusing the chip company of anti-competitive practices. It claims the firm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for essential handset components, which then pushed up the cost of those smartphones for consumers. The BBC has reached out to Qualcomm for comment. The trial starting on Monday will focus on whether Qualcomm held market power and, if so, whether it abused a dominant position."
Nearly 30 million UK purchasers of Apple or Samsung smartphones bought between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024 may be entitled to compensation if Which? succeeds in its claim that Qualcomm engaged in anti-competitive practices. Which? alleges Qualcomm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for essential handset components, raising consumer costs. The initial trial will examine whether Qualcomm held and abused market power and is expected to last five weeks. If successful, a second stage would seek £480m to distribute among an estimated 29 million affected owners, amounting to roughly £17 per handset. Qualcomm has said the case has "no basis," while similar legal action continues in other jurisdictions and the company has faced prior EU fines for antitrust.
Read at www.bbc.com
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