Samsung And Apple Customers Could Get £30 Pay-Out Over Claims Qualcomm Hiked Prices

Loads of Samsung and Apple customers may be owed a £30 compensation pay-out after claims that a US technology firm ramped up prices, according to consumer watchdog Which?.

Which? now wants Qualcomm, which specialises in patent-licensing and making microchips for phones, to pay out £482.5 million to shoppers for 'breaking UK competitions law'.

The watchdog believes that Qualcomm took advantage of its position within the market - it's one of the big fish in that particular pond - to push up technology prices for brands that include the aforementioned mobile device giants.

Those charges, it's claimed, were then shoved down the line to consumers who paid inflated prices at the tills for their devices.

Which? wants to see compensation paid to the 29 million or so British people who have bought an Apple or Samsung device since 1 October 2015.

That's presumably an awful lot of people.

Depending on the number of smartphones that people bought, and the type of device, consumers could be paid out to the tune of £5 and £30.

Now, it's worth saying that Qualcomm is under no obligation to pay out just yet, but Which? is urging the tech giant to settle without going to court by organising compensation.

However, if the company doesn't agree, legal action could be taken, which could go before the courts. Even if that is successful, there may be an appeal, so don't budget for your £30 just yet, folks.

There is previous on this front, as well.

Qualcomm has been found liable by other legislators around the world for similar stuff.

Which? is able to take such action on behalf of such a large number of consumers because of collective action rules under the Consumer Rights Act of 2015.

Before that rule change, it would have been almost impossible for shoppers to take such a course.

Which? CEO Anabel Hoult, said: "We are sending a clear warning that if companies like Qualcomm indulge in manipulative practices which harm consumers, Which? is prepared to take action.

"If Qualcomm has abused its market power it must be held to account.

"Without Which? bringing this claim on behalf of millions of affected UK consumers, it would simply not be realistic for people to seek damages from the company on an individual basis - that's why it's so important that consumers can come together and claim the redress they are entitled to."

LADbible has reached out to Qualcomm for comment, however a spokesperson told MailOnline: "There is no basis for this lawsuit.

"As the plaintiffs are well aware, their claims were effectively put to rest last summer by a unanimous panel of judges at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the United States."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, UK News, Samsung, Technology, Apple

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim