Gorilla Glass has become a symbol of reassurance for users who wish to take their devices anywhere without worrying about unexpected scratches or cracks from that first alarming fall. However, the European Commission (EC) is questioning whether this brand has an unfair edge in the market.
Investigation into Competitive Practices
The EC is currently looking into allegations that Gorilla Glass's popularity is not solely due to its protective qualities, but also because Corning, its manufacturer, may not allow companies that make portable electronics to explore alternative sources for the alkali-aluminosilicate (also known as Alkali-AS) material used in its production.
Reportedly, Corning is accused of engaging in "anti-competitive" behavior by securing "exclusive sourcing" agreements with device manufacturers like those producing smartphones and tablets, which guarantees they exclusively use Gorilla Glass. These agreements often come with "rebates" to encourage compliance.
Potential Legal Consequences
If it turns out that Corning is indeed blocking competitors from entering the market, it could be violating Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), resulting in substantial financial repercussions.
In response to the allegations, the materials company from New York stated that it "has and will continue to be committed to compliance with all applicable rules and regulations where it does business," and it collaborates "with local regulatory authorities to ensure open discussion and cooperation."
Market Implications
Interestingly, the EC's stance might shed light on why other well-known durable screen protection options, like Apple's Ceramic Shield or Huawei's Kunlun Glass, are often developed in-house.
Nonetheless, Corning maintains that its Gorilla Glass outperforms competing Alkali-AS products in terms of drop and scratch resistance, especially its latest premium models, Victus and Armor, designed for devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
