Corning Dodges EU Antitrust Clash With ‘Gorilla Glass’ Deal

Corning Inc., a major supplier of smartphone screens, has reached an agreement with the European Union (EU) to address potential antitrust concerns. The company had been facing the threat of EU antitrust fines due to exclusivity terms in its supply contracts for "Gorilla Glass," the break-resistant screens used in many smartphones. Under the deal, Corning has agreed to remove the exclusivity clauses, allowing its customers to purchase screens from other suppliers. This move aims to promote competition in the market for smartphone displays, providing more options for device manufacturers. The agreement resolves the EU's investigation into Corning's practices, which were deemed potentially anticompetitive. By addressing the regulator's concerns, Corning has avoided the possibility of substantial fines and penalties that could have been imposed had the case proceeded. The resolution of this issue allows Corning to continue supplying its Gorilla Glass technology to smartphone makers, while ensuring a more competitive landscape in the display market for these devices.