Smartphone users could get payouts - if legal case succeeds

A CLASS action against technology giant Qualcomm that - if successful - could result in payouts for UK smartphone users is scheduled to begin this week.

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Consumer group Which? has brought the claim on behalf of around 29 million UK Apple and Samsung smartphone users. It will focus on whether Qualcomm held market power and, if so, whether it abused its position as a dominant company. The trial will run for five weeks from October 6 at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London.

If Which?'s first trial is successful, there will then be a second trial focusing on Qualcomm's conduct and the damage suffered by the class, that Which? has calculated at around £480 million.