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Augusta Ventures funds Which? in landmark collective action against Qualcomm

Augusta Ventures, the largest litigation and dispute funding institution in the UK by volume of cases, has provided financing to help the Consumers’ Association (known as Which?) launch an opt-out collective claim, litigated by Hausfeld, against Qualcomm, Inc. for over £480 million, on behalf of a class of around 29 million UK consumers.

Which? is alleging that Qualcomm abuses its dominance in the markets for smartphone chipsets and standard essential patents, the result of which is that Qualcomm is able to overcharge smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung for its technology.  Which? says that those extra costs, which are calculated as a percentage of the price of phone handsets, have been passed on to UK purchasers of Apple and Samsung smartphones.

Which?’s claim will automatically include compensation claims for consumers who had purchased particular models of Apple or Samsung smartphones, either direct from the manufacturer, from a network operator or smartphone retailer, since 1 October 2015.

Robert Hanna, Managing Director of Augusta Ventures, said:

“This claim is about seeking redress for the millions of consumers who are the ultimate victims of Qualcomm’s anticompetitive conduct.  We are very pleased to be working with Which? in their first claim utilising the opt-out regime introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.”  

Background on the legal case

Which?’s claim will state that Qualcomm employs two harmful and unlawful practices:

  • It refuses to license its patents to other competing chipset manufacturers and,
  • it refuses to supply chipsets to smartphone manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, unless those companies obtain a separate licence and pay substantial royalties to Qualcomm.

It is argued that these abuses enable Qualcomm to charge Apple and Samsung higher fees for the licences for its patents, than if Qualcomm behaved lawfully.  Qualcomm’s royalties are charged as a percentage of the price of smartphones and which have to be paid by  smartphone manufacturers even when they don’t use Qualcomm’s chipsets.

Which? says that the higher costs are ultimately passed on to consumers and Which? will attempt to recover these under the collective regime which allows Which? to apply to pursue a claim for an aggregate award of damages on behalf of affected UK consumers.

Now the case has been filed, the next step will be for Which? to obtain permission from the Competition Appeal Tribunal to serve proceedings on Qualcomm.  If granted, the Tribunal will then decide whether or not Which? can act as the class representative and whether the claim can proceed to trial.

Hausfeld & Co LLP are supported by a counsel team at Monckton Chambers (Jon Turner QC, Anneli Howard, Michael Armitage and Ciar McAndrew).  Which?’s economic experts are Oxera Consulting LLP and the claim is funded by Augusta Ventures.

About Augusta Ventures 

– Augusta is the largest litigation and dispute funding institution in the UK by # cases. Augusta’s scale enables us to make decisions in market-leading timeframes and fund cases of any size. 

– Augusta is organised into a series of specialist practice groups: Arbitration, Class/Group Action, Competition, and Consumer Litigation, and sectors including Financial Services and Construction & Energy. 

– At the beginning of 2021, with over £300m of capital, Augusta had funded over 240 claims with a market leading ratio of over 70% 

– Augusta has offices in the UK, Australia and Canada. 

About Which? 

Which? is the UK’s consumer champion, here to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone.  

About Hausfeld 

Hausfeld & Co LLP, a leading international law firm with offices in Europe and the US, specialises in claimant litigation and collective redress.  The firm filed the first standalone opt-out collective actions on behalf of rail passengers in 2019 and is leading an opt-out action against six banks over their participation in unlawful price-fixing of the foreign exchange currency markets.  Hausfeld leads on Trucks cartel claims in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. It has acted on some of the most complex damages claims of the last decade: on the ‘Interchange Fee’ litigation against Visa and Mastercard and the Air Cargo litigation against British Airways and 13 other airlines.  It is also presently instructed in ‘Google Shopping’ claims on behalf of price comparison websites against Google and in claims against Marriott International, YouTube and Facebook in data breach and privacy litigation.

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Manolete Partners Announces New Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC Bank

By Harry Moran |

Manolete Partners Plc (AIM:MANO), the leading UK-listed insolvency litigation financing company, is pleased to announce it has signed a new Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") with its existing provider, HSBC UK Bank Plc ( "HSBC"). 

The new RCF provides Manolete with the same level of facility as the previous arrangement, at £17.5m. However, the margin charged to Manolete by HSBC on the new RCF is at a reduced rate of 4.0% (previously 4.7%) over the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) and has a reduced non-utilisation fee, from 1.88% to 1.40%. 

The new RCF is a 3.25-year facility with an initial maturity of 27 June 2028. Manolete has the option to further extend the facility on its current terms by an additional year. 

The covenants remain unchanged except for the Asset Cover covenant which has been relaxed for the next six months. 

Steven Cooklin, CEO commented: "We are delighted to have secured a new long-term commitment to the business from HSBC, which is testament to the strong partnership we have established since 2018. The improved terms of the facility demonstrate confidence in the Manolete business." 

This announcement contains inside information as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). 

Angeion Group Expands Mass Tort Litigation Management Capabilities Through Merger with Case Works

By Harry Moran |

Angeion Group (“Angeion”), the industry leader in end-to-end group litigation support, announced today its merger with Case Works, a premier provider of case data management solutions, including client engagement, medical record retrieval, medical review, and inventory analysis. Neutral, but never passive, this strategic integration of Case Works reinforces Angeion’s forward thinking approach to providing seamless tech-enabled support for complex litigation firms and leading law departments, with efficiency and precision.

The merger of Angeion and Case Works follows majority investments into both companies by private equity firm Renovus Capital Partners (“Renovus”) in 2024. Angeion also acquired bankruptcy administration solutions provider Donlin Recano in late 2024. Renovus worked alongside the companies’ founders and management teams to unify the businesses and deliver a seamless experience for clients and employees throughout the integration.

Case Works has earned a reputation of excellence by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and applicability of case data to support legal requirements. By combining their core capabilities with Angeion’s advanced technology and data-driven approach, this merger further solidifies Angeion’s position as the most trusted partner for navigating complex, high-stakes litigation and settlements.

Effective large-scale litigation and settlements rely on comprehensive, well-organized data and the ability to apply that data effectively within the context of a particular project. Combining Case Works’ proven excellence in capturing and managing critical case information with Angeion Group’s expertise in technology, process efficiency and claims management, provides a more structured, more transparent, and more effective approach to large-scale litigation and settlement management.

“Case Works brings deep expertise and a proven track record of supporting firms with large data and medical record retrieval needs. They are known for their dedication to precision, care and bedside manner,” said Steven Weisbrot, CEO of Angeion Group. “Together, we are raising the bar for what clients can expect—faster, more accurate processes and a commitment to white glove service.”

Angeion Group and Case Works share a common vision: to set the new standard for how large-scale litigation and group settlement support can combine technological efficiency with thoughtful human interaction. Both organizations are driven by a commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency and are mindful that litigants should expect and receive compassion and respect throughout the group litigation process. This merger will elevate industry standards and ensure that all parties, their council, and the courts benefit from a more streamlined, thoughtful and effective process.

“We’re excited to join forces with Angeion Group,” said Susan Barfield, Founder of Case Works. “Their commitment to innovation and client service aligns perfectly with our own, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to the firms and clients we support.”

“We’re honored to have partnered with these leading companies, building upon our strong track record in tech-enabled legal services,” added Lee Minkoff, Managing Director at Renovus. “We’d also like to thank founders Steve Weisbrot and Susan Barfield for their leadership throughout this game changing merger for the group litigation support industry.”

Angeion remains steadfast in its mission to completely modernize and optimize complex litigation management to the benefit of all stakeholders.

About Case Works

Case Works is the leading provider of tech-enabled litigation support solutions to the country’s premier plaintiff law firms. Based in Austin, Texas, the Company was created with a single mission: To Help Lawyers Help People. Case Works provides a full suite of case management services including claims qualification, intake, medical records retrieval & review, case development, and ongoing plaintiff engagement.

About Angeion Group

Angeion Group is a leading provider of legal notice and settlement administration services, leveraging advanced technology, proven best practices, and expert consulting to manage class actions, mass torts, and collective redress administration. Recognized for its innovation, efficiency, and unwavering client commitment, Angeion Group continues to redefine industry standards.

Moneypenny Unites Under One Brand as It Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence

By Harry Moran |

Moneypenny, the world’s customer conversation expert, proudly marks 25 years of delivering exceptional service and innovation. As part of this milestone, Moneypenny is unifying all of its brands across the US, including VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, and Choice Voice, under one internationally recognized name. 

This transition reinforces Moneypenny’s dedication to a clear and dynamic future for its clients and people while reflecting the values and passion that have driven its success. Started in 2000 after a pivotal missed phone call resulted in a missed business opportunity, Moneypenny has since delivered world-class customer conversations to thousands of global businesses. Over the past 10 years, Moneypenny has expanded its presence across the US, growing under the Moneypenny, VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, andChoice Voicebrands. Now, all will operate under the beloved Moneypenny brand in its Atlanta and Miami offices, as well as virtually in hubs across the country. This unification enhances the ability to offer seamless customer communication solutions and strengthens Moneypenny’s position as the world’s customer conversation experts. 

“As we celebrate 25 years of service, we are excited to express more clearly and concisely our passion to those we serve. By bringing the best of all of our businesses together under one brand, we make it easier for businesses to see the full range of solutions we offer, while also enhancing opportunities for our people. This transition underscores Moneypenny’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and a unified global strategy.” said Richard Culberson, CEO of Moneypenny North America. 

"As a company proudly headquartered in Wrexham UK, a city with a rich history and a growing international profile, Moneypenny is proud to represent that same spirit of fellowship, excellence, and focus on what matters most, people,” said Jesper With-Fogstrup, Group CEO of Moneypenny. “Just as Wrexham soccer has captured hearts across the US, Wrexham’s own Moneypenny has captured hearts by connecting businesses, technology, and people on both sides of the pond. We couldn’t be more excited to have all our teams driven by this shared spirit."

To mark its silver anniversary, Moneypenny will celebrate with a throwback “year 2000” prom for its US teams – a tribute not only to Moneypenny’s remarkable quarter-century history, but also to a time before smartphones, live chat, and a global pandemic put companies on call 24-7By embracing a unified brand, celebrating its legacy, and continuing to invest in its people and AI-driven solutions, Moneypenny is setting the stage for an even stronger future.

About Moneypenny

As the world’s customer conversation experts, Moneypenny’s unique blend of brilliant people and AI technology integrates seamlessly to deliver customer conversations that unlock valuable opportunities for businesses, 24/7. Available across all voice and text channels, Moneypenny responds to and fulfils requirements for thousands of UK and US clients who value their reputation and recognize that the key to sustainable growth is working with a partner who allows them to scale in an agile way. This year, Moneypenny proudly celebrates 25 years of service, having been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” seven times and earning recognition as a Great Place To Work (GPTW). Moneypenny was also named as ‘Best Global Support’ in The Forbes Advisor - The Best Answering Services of 2024.