Qualcomm Antitrust Trial Begins: UK Consumer Group Seeks £480 Million for Inflated Smartphone Prices

Which? has formally filed a lawsuit in London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, according to BBC News, accusing Qualcomm of imposing unfair licensing terms that forced Apple and Samsung to pay excessive royalties and thereby inflated smartphone prices. If the court rules against Qualcomm, it could face up to £480 million in compensation, with around 29 million UK consumers who bought iPhones or Galaxy devices eligible for reimbursement, averaging about £17 per person.

Which? argues that these costs were passed on to consumers as an “invisible surcharge,” a claim that forms the core of the case, which is set to begin on 6 October and is expected to last five weeks. Qualcomm has yet to issue an official statement but has previously dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” insisting its licensing and chip business operate in line with international standards.

The case covers UK purchasers of Apple or Samsung smartphones registered between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024, and, if successful, could lead to a second phase to determine distribution of compensation.