EU initiates inquiry into Corning’s Gorilla Glass for potential breach of competition rules

A formal investigation has been launched by the European Commission to scrutinize whether the US glass manufacturer Corning, recognized for its Gorilla Glass, has exploited its dominant market position in the realm of protective glass for electronic gadgets. The products of Corning are utilized, among other applications, in various devices of Apple and Samsung.

The suspicion within the Commission is that the company may have engaged in anti-competitive arrangements with smartphone manufacturers and glass processors, such as agreements for exclusive procurement and discounts predicated on such agreements. Gorilla Glass has been integrated into mobile devices for over a decade.

These agreements could have barred potential competitors from the market, reducing consumer alternatives, escalating prices, and impeding innovation. If Corning is proven to be at fault, sanctions could be enforced on the company. Prior to any punitive measures, Corning will be provided with an opportunity to address the objections raised by the European Commission, and the investigation may be concluded if the company undertakes specific commitments.

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AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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