Consumers May Claim £17 from Qualcomm Lawsuit Over Phone Prices

Consumers who purchased a Samsung or Apple smartphone between 2015 and 2024 may be entitled to a payout of approximately £17 (or $23) due to a class action lawsuit against Qualcomm. The legal action, initiated by the UK consumer rights organization Which?, alleges that Qualcomm breached competition laws by imposing excessive licensing fees on Apple and Samsung. This alleged misconduct is said to have contributed to inflated device prices for consumers.

The lawsuit was filed in 2021 and subsequently approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal to proceed in 2022. The case is now set to go to trial, expected to last around five weeks. If successful, a total of £480 million (approximately $685 million) will be available for distribution among affected UK consumers.

Details of the Lawsuit

Qualcomm is no stranger to legal challenges. Previously, the company faced accusations of monopolistic practices, including a notable case where Apple withheld payments due to disagreements over royalty rates. In 2017, Qualcomm successfully defended itself in another antitrust case, complicating the current proceedings for Which?.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also taken action against Qualcomm, alleging that the company utilized its dominant market position to coerce device manufacturers into accepting certain licensing fees. The lawsuit claims this strategy stifled competition by creating exclusive agreements and limiting access to essential components.

Should the current lawsuit succeed, consumers will not need to take any action to claim their share. The eligibility criteria cover anyone who purchased a Samsung device from the Galaxy S4 to the Galaxy S20 Ultra, or an iPhone model from the 5s to the Xs Max. However, it is essential to note that not every Samsung device released since 2015 qualifies, particularly those powered by Exynos chips. Interested consumers can visit the Which? website for detailed information regarding eligible devices and the claims process.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent in the tech industry, particularly concerning pricing strategies and competition regulations. As consumers await developments, this case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of major corporations and their pricing practices in the global market.