Big UK antitrust case targets Qualcomm’s licensing practices
The UK consumer group Which? is launching a high-stakes legal challenge against Qualcomm, the chip maker behind many smartphone components. The case, heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, questions whether Qualcomm abused its market position by charging inflated licensing fees to phone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung.
What’s at stake for UK smartphone owners
Which? argues that if Qualcomm acted anti-competitively, the cost of essential handset technology could have been passed through to consumers. The action covers Apple and Samsung smartphones bought between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024, with the potential to deliver damages to roughly 29 million people in the United Kingdom. If successful, the campaign group plans a second stage to seek a total of about £480 million in damages, distributed as roughly £17 per affected device.
The legal battle: structure and aims
The first stage of the trial focuses on whether Qualcomm held dominant market power in the relevant markets and, if so, whether it abused that position. Which?s lawyers argue that Qualcomm’s licensing framework limited competition and kept prices higher than they would be in a more open market. Qualcomm has previously dismissed the case as lacking a legal basis.
Why this case matters beyond the UK
Qualcomm has faced antitrust scrutiny in other jurisdictions, including an EU investigation and a separate Canadian case. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also pursued a case against the company in 2017, though that action was dismissed in 2020. Nonetheless, the UK action adds to ongoing global scrutiny of Qualcomm’s licensing practices and how they intersect with major smartphone brands like Apple and Samsung.
Implications for consumers and the tech industry
If Which? succeeds, the payout would be distributed among millions of UK residents who bought qualifying devices. The case could also influence how licensing agreements are structured in the mobile chip market, potentially encouraging greater transparency and lower licensing fees. For consumers, the potential £17 per device represents a tangible acknowledgment that the choices of a few chipmakers can ripple through to everyday purchases.
What to expect next
The trial is expected to run for about five weeks, with a decision on market power and abuse anticipated after the initial phase. Which? said the result would be a “huge moment” for consumer power to hold large companies to account when they misuse market dominance. Qualcomm has not commented publicly beyond its prior statements denying the case’s basis.
Looking ahead
As the legal process unfolds in London, observers will watch closely to see whether the court recognises a consumer-led pathway to redress against a major technology vendor. A win for Which? could pave the way for similar actions elsewhere, including ongoing efforts in Canada and renewed scrutiny in other regions where Qualcomm’s licensing practices affect a broad array of devices and manufacturers.
