A long-running UK challenge to what Qualcomm charged Apple for smartphone modems has concluded, as the consumer group that filed the case has chosen to end it after years of litigation.
British consumer group Which? is withdrawing a five-year-long case against Qualcomm seeking damages over artificially inflated prices on iPhone modems. Initially, the group sought damages of more than $650 million for 29 million customers in the UK.
In 2021, consumer group "Which?" launched the lawsuit against Qualcomm, claiming that it illegally inflated prices for 4G modems. It said the cost was then passed on to buyers of iPhone and Samsung phones.
Additionally, it claimed that it made the companies pay regardless of whether or not the chips were used in the devices. The suit sought 30 GBP ($42) damages for every customer.
Qualcomm, for its part, said the lawsuit had no basis.
In a statement seen by Reuters, Which? said it would withdraw the case, reaching an agreement with Qualcomm.
The consumer group says that the tribunal would find that Qualcomm didn't coerce Apple or Samsung to sign any binding agreements.
The terms of the agreement aren't clear. However, it is known that Qualcomm will make no payment to the claimant class.
Which? also noted that the tribunal would find that Qualcomm's practices "did not infringe competition laws, did not result in inflated royalties, and did not lead to an increase in prices consumers paid for their mobile phones."
According to Reuters, a Qualcomm spokesperson said that "this recognition by the class representative, following a trial on the merits, reaffirms what the courts in the United States have repeatedly held: Qualcomm's licensing practices are lawful and do not harm competition."
