A class action against the Qualcomm Technology Giant, which, if successful, can lead to the payment of UK smartphone users in the UK.
Which consumer group? The claim has been represented by about 29 million users of Apple and Samsung in the UK.
This will look at whether Qualcomm has the power of the market and if so, whether he has exploited his position as a dominant company.
The trial, which is being executed in the London Court of Appeal for five weeks, was inaugurated by the dispatch?
Philip Moser KC, for which? “The nature of abuse, where abuse is manifested, is the right to negotiate,” he said.
“And Qualcomm, instead of competitive negotiation, uses the inherent or sometimes explicit threat of chipset disruption to the software to delay a common discussion of the rights and licensing conditions.
“Instead, this” unless you get our permits at our Qualcomm and our terms, unless you do it that there is no chip. “
“And Qualcomm’s conditions include a rate with a rate we say is likely to be inflation. And this is payable on any phone, whether it uses Qualcomm chips.”
If what is the first test? Successful, then a second trial focuses on Qualcomm’s behavior and the damage caused by the class, which? Calculated about 480 million pounds.
Which? Claims that Qualcomm violated the British Competition Law by using his mastering in the patent and chipset markets.
It is claimed that Qualcomm has been able to charge manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung’s inflation costs for technology licenses, which are transmitted to consumers at higher prices or low -quality smartphones.
Which? Looking for damages for all Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased between October 1, 2015 and January 9, 2024.
It estimates that if successful, solitary consumers are an average of about 17 pounds per phone.
Which? He said the move was to make compensation to consumers and “sending a clear message to powerful companies such as Qualcomm,” Vital “if they were involved in harmful and anti -competitive ways?
Which? “This trial is a huge moment,” said Annabel Holt’s chief executive. “It shows how consumer power – with support? – can be used to keep the largest companies in the event of abuse of its dominant position.
“Without it? Presenting this claim to millions of Consumers influenced by the UK, it will not simply be realistic for people to be able to personally seek damage from the company – so it is important for consumers to come together and claim compensation.”
Qualcomm is expected to make its opening posts on Tuesday.
