Consumer Watchdog Ends Legal Challenge Against Chipmaker Qualcomm
Consumer advocacy group Which? has formally applied to withdraw its high-profile class action lawsuit against semiconductor giant Qualcomm. The case, which alleged anti-competitive practices leading to inflated smartphone prices for UK consumers, has been abandoned after a comprehensive review of trial evidence.
Legal Proceedings at the Competition Appeal Tribunal
The claim was originally filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, representing approximately 29 million UK consumers who purchased Apple and Samsung smartphones. Which? sought damages for devices bought between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024, estimating potential compensation of around £17 per affected phone if successful.
The consumer group alleged that Qualcomm had abused its dominant position in patent licensing and chipset markets, forcing manufacturers to accept unfavorable terms that ultimately resulted in higher retail prices or inferior smartphone quality for end users.
Evidence Leads to Withdrawal Decision
On Tuesday, Which? announced its intention to seek permission from the tribunal to withdraw the proceedings entirely. The organization stated that, based on evidence presented during the trial, it concluded the tribunal would likely rule that:
- Qualcomm did not coerce Apple, Apple's chipset manufacturers, or Samsung into signing patent licenses or chipset agreements
- Qualcomm did not impose unfair licensing terms on these manufacturers
- Qualcomm's practices did not constitute an infringement of UK competition laws
- There was no evidence linking Qualcomm's business practices to increased smartphone prices for consumers
As a result of this withdrawal, Qualcomm will not make any payment to consumers, and the lawsuit will be concluded pending tribunal approval.
Qualcomm's Response and Legal History
Qualcomm welcomed the development, describing its supply policies as "innocuous and lawful" in a formal statement. The company noted that this decision follows more than six years of litigation, including a lengthy trial process.
"This recognition by the class representative, following a trial on the merits, reaffirms what courts in the United States have repeatedly held: Qualcomm's licensing practices are lawful and do not harm competition," the company stated.
The withdrawal marks a significant conclusion to one of the largest consumer class actions in recent UK legal history, affecting millions of smartphone users across the country.
