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Qualcomm Faces £480 Million Antitrust Case in London

10/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Which?’s antitrust case against Qualcomm began October 6, 2025, at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London and is expected to last five weeks.
It alleges Qualcomm’s practices inflated prices for Apple and Samsung devices, affecting nearly 29 million UK buyers (2015–2024).
If successful, a damages phase would follow, with £480 million in payouts (£17 per device), while Qualcomm denies claims.

History

Historical Context

The 2025 antitrust case against Qualcomm mirrors the 1998 United States v. Microsoft Corporation case, which scrutinized monopolistic practices and led to significant regulatory changes. In 2019, the FTC accused Qualcomm of anticompetitive licensing agreements affecting 29 million UK consumers. The outcome of this case could redefine competitive practices in the technology sector, influencing future antitrust actions globally.

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Story summary

Which?’s antitrust case against Qualcomm began October 6, 2025, at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London and is expected to last five weeks.
It alleges Qualcomm’s practices inflated prices for Apple and Samsung devices, affecting nearly 29 million UK buyers (2015–2024).
If successful, a damages phase would follow, with £480 million in payouts (£17 per device), while Qualcomm denies claims.

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