A class action lawsuit against Qualcomm, a US technology company, is underway and could result in a payout for millions of UK consumers
Those who purchased a smartphone between 2015 and 2024 could be owed money(Image: Getty)
Those who bought Apple or Samsung smartphones during a particular timeframe may be due compensation. This could happen if a class action lawsuit against tech giant Qualcomm proves successful.
Most Britons own smartphones, with many favouring Apple or Samsung models. Smartphones surged in popularity throughout the 2010s, making it highly likely that you or someone you know purchased one between 2015 and 2024.
If this applies to you, you might be entitled to compensation, reports the Express. Proceedings began on October 6 and are anticipated to run for five weeks, according to consumer group Which?
It comes after ChronicleLive reported that compensation payouts on around 14 million unfair motor finance deals could start next year.
Which? has challenged Qualcomm on behalf of an impressive 29 million UK consumers who purchased Apple or Samsung smartphones since 2015. The organisation claims Qualcomm engaged in anti-competitive behaviour, thereby inflating the costs Britons paid for smartphones during this timeframe.
Which? is pursuing compensation exceeding £480 million for these consumers.
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The claim automatically covers those who purchased specific Apple or Samsung smartphone models, regardless of whether they bought directly from the manufacturer, network operator or other mobile retailer. Nevertheless, Qualcomm has previously stated that Which? ‘s claim has “no basis”.
Throughout these legal proceedings, Which? is pursuing damages for all affected Apple and Samsung smartphones bought between October 1 2015 and January 9 2024. The consumer group stated: “Which? believes that those affected should get back the money they are rightfully owed, and urges anyone affected to sign up for updates on the action so you can track its progress.”
Qualcomm is an American technology firm that owns several patents essential to 4G and 5G development.
Its offerings, including semiconductors and software, are vital to mobile phone production. Which? claims the US firm refuses to licence its patents to rival chipset makers.
It also alleges the company won’t supply chipsets to mobile manufacturers like Apple and Samsung unless they secure separate licences and pay excessive royalties to Qualcomm.
The consumer organisation added: “Which? believes that these practices enable Qualcomm to charge Apple and Samsung artificially high fees for its patents. Those higher fees raise manufacturing costs and are ultimately passed on to UK consumers through inflated prices or lower-quality smartphones.”
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