The European Union has initiated an investigation into the American manufacturer Corning in connection with its possible anti-competitive activities. The company’s name may not be familiar to the average consumer, but it is a leading supplier of glass for mobile devices, including the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and many other devices. The brand of Gorilla Glass itself is a little better known.
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Corning may have abused its dominant position in the global market for protective glass for portable electronic devices, and this, in turn, could distort the picture of competition in this segment, the European Commission said. “The Commission is concerned that the agreements that Corning entered into with manufacturers may have excluded competing glass manufacturers from large segments of the market, thereby reducing customer choice, increasing prices and stifling innovation to the detriment of consumers around the world,” the agency said in a statement. .
The European Commission will conduct an in-depth investigation as a matter of priority – there is no regulated time frame for completing such an investigation, and it is not clear whether any violations will be identified. But if they become known, Corning faces a fine of up to 10% of its worldwide revenue.
«Corning has and will continue to comply with all rules and regulations applicable in the places where it does business. As part of this commitment, we are working with local regulators to ensure open discussion and cooperation,” Corning spokesman Michael West commented to TechCrunch on the actions of the European authorities.