Corning has been hit by an EU antitrust investigation
By ForGeeks The European Commission has launched an investigation into Corning, one of the leading manufacturers of protective glass for smartphones, tablets and smart watches, including the well-known Gorilla Glass. The suspicions relate to possible breaches of EU competition rules.
Three aspects of Corning’s relationship with mobile device makers and glass recyclers (so-called “finishers”) are of concern. First, Corning may demand that manufacturers buy all or nearly all of their glass from them, offering discounts in return. Second, Corning reportedly requires manufacturers to disclose competitors’ offers so that the company can outbid them.
Corning reportedly requires manufacturers to disclose competitors’ offers so that the company can outbid them.
The European Commission also notes that similar conditions may apply to “finishers” who process Corning glass to prepare it for use in mobile devices.
Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission’s vice-president for competition, said this situation could limit consumer choice and make it harder for competitors to enter the market. She said that, given the importance of protecting screens from damage, having competition in the glass market allows for lower prices and higher quality products for consumers.
She said that, given the importance of protecting screens from damage, having competition in the glass market allows for lower prices and higher quality products for consumers.
The European Commission will analyze whether Corning violated EU antitrust rules as part of the investigation it has launched. However, as the statement emphasized, the opening of the case does not mean that Corning has already been found guilty – it is just the beginning of a process whose outcome is not yet certain.
An investigation into whether Corning has violated EU antitrust rules is underway.
