Did you purchase a cell phone or tablet in the last four years? You likely overpaid due to a monopoly on a key component of your device. You may be entitled to compensation. Fill out the form to find out your rights »
Hagens Berman is helping lead a class-action lawsuit against Qualcomm on behalf of consumers, for orchestrating a monopoly that led to purchasers paying significantly more for all cell phones and tablet devices. The investigation has revealed that the multinational semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company cornered the market for baseband processors in cellular phones and devices, driving up prices, unbeknownst to consumers. Qualcomm further exploited its monopoly power by demanding that cell phone and tablet manufacturers, such as Apple, pay inflated royalty rates for Qualcomm’s intellectual property.
QUALCOMM MONOPOLY EXPLAINED
Qualcomm manufactures baseband processors that allow cell phones and tablets to communicate and transmit voice and data across wireless networks controlled by carriers, such as Verizon or Sprint. In recent years, Qualcomm has acquired and maintained its monopoly over the baseband processor market and abused its intellectual property rights in associated technology.
According to the lawsuit, in creating this monopoly, Qualcomm has charged excessive and unlawful prices both on the baseband processors themselves and the patent license rights for associated technology, leading to inflated prices for purchasers across the country.
YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS
Consumers purchased their smartphones, tablets and other cellular devices without knowledge of Qualcomm's vast monopoly, and were charged a higher price than they would have paid if the conglomerate had acted fairly and legally. Hagens Berman believes that Qualcomm should be held responsible for creating and maintaining a monopoly that left purchasers with the bill.
TOP CONSUMER RIGHTS FIRM
Hagens Berman is one of the most successful consumer litigation law firms in the U.S. and has achieved more than $320 billion in settlements against product manufacturers, tobacco companies, automakers, big banks and others. Your claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in consumer-rights law.
NO COST TO YOU
There is no cost or fee whatsoever involved in joining this case. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the class' legal team. In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum.
CASE TIMELINE
Qualcomm has asked the Ninth Circuit to review the certification of a class estimated to cover 250 million cellphone buyers who allegedly paid overages stemming from the chipmaker's anti-competitive licensing practices, saying the ruling creates "quite likely the biggest class action in history."
Hagens Berman's managing partner, Steve Berman, was selected by U.S. District Judge Koh to serve as part of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee helping lead the case.
