A class action against technology giant Qualcomm that, if successful, could result in payouts for UK smartphone users has opened in the UK.

Consumer group Whic h? 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, which will run for five weeks at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London , opened with submissions on behalf of Which?

Philip Moser KC, for Which?, told the hearing: “The nature of the abuse, where the abuse manifests itself, is in the area of negotiation of the royalty.

“And Qualcomm, instead of competitive negotiation, uses the inherent risk, or sometimes explicitly stated threat, of chipset su

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