Anyone who bought a Samsung or Apple phone between 2015 and 2024 could be due compensation if a class action suit against technology giant Qualcomm is successful.
Consumer group Which? has brought the claim on behalf of around 29 million phone users.
Which? alleges Qualcomm breached UK competition law by taking advantage of its dominance in the patent-licensing and chipset markets.
It claims this resulted in Qualcomm being able to charge manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung inflated fees for technology licences, which have then been passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices or lower-quality smartphones.
Sky News has approached Qualcomm for comment. The company has previously said the case has “no basis”.
The trial will run for five weeks from today at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London.
Read more from Sky News:
Healthcare AI firm Heidi valued at £345m
WSL Football bosses hire Goldman to kick off financing review
Major shake-up of home buying aims to make process cheaper, quicker and easier
Money blog: Pilot on his ultimate travel tip, £200,000 salaries and why they really make you put your phone on airplane mode
Reeves and Goldman chief to pitch to London IPO candidates
If Which?’s first trial is successful, there will be a second trial focusing on Qualcomm’s conduct and the damage suffered by the class, that Which? has calculated at around £480m.
Which? is seeking damages for all affected Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024.
