Qualcomm UK Antitrust Lawsuit Begins

A landmark legal battle has commenced in the United Kingdom, with consumer champion Which? taking US tech giant Qualcomm to the United Kingdom — Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. Which? alleges that Qualcomm abused its dominant market position by charging inflated prices and licensing fees for key smartphone components, which were then passed on to consumers through higher prices for Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics smartphones. The case seeks £480 million in compensation for an estimated 29 million UK Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics phone owners who purchased devices between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024, potentially equating to around £17 per handset. Qualcomm has dismissed the allegations, stating the case has 'no basis'. This trial, led by Which? chief executive Anabel Hoult, is seen as a significant moment for consumer power and corporate accountability. Qualcomm has faced similar scrutiny in the past, including a fine from the European Union for antitrust breaches and a 2017 lawsuit by the United States — Federal Trade Commission, which was later dismissed. A comparable collective action is also ongoing in Canada.