The European Commission has accepted legally binding commitments from Corning, addressing concerns that the US glassmaker engaged in anticompetitive practices related to cover glass used in handheld electronic devices. The probe, launched in November 2024, focused on Corning’s dominant role in the Alkali-aluminosilicate (Alkali-AS) glass market, a material widely used in smartphones, tablets and smartwatches under the Gorilla Glass brand.
Exclusive supply clauses under scrutiny
The Commission’s preliminary findings indicated that Corning may have abused its dominant market position by requiring exclusivity from device manufacturers (OEMs) and glass finishers, potentially freezing out competitors in key glass segments. While Corning’s Apple-specific products were excluded from the investigation due to their unique composition, concerns remained for the wider mobile market.
Corning’s amended commitments accepted
To address the concerns, Corning has agreed to waive all exclusive dealing clauses in its agreements and limit supply requirements globally to no more than 50% of OEMs’ and finishers’ respective demands. The commitments apply to both Alkali-AS Glass and Clear Glass Ceramics and ensure that no incentives or price conditions can be used to enforce sourcing requirements. Furthermore, Corning will only enforce patents based on infringement, not contractual claims.
Nine-year oversight with global reach
The commitments will be monitored over nine years and apply worldwide. A trustee fluent in Chinese Mandarin will ensure implementation, and Corning is required to communicate these terms transparently to all major stakeholders. While the Commission did not conclude that EU competition law was breached, these measures are now enforceable under Article 9(1) of Regulation 1/2003.
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