I think the phrasing of the line you quoted is too strong, but the same effect can be created without any kind of ringleader or secret cabal arrangement. You only need the right preconditions:
1. Incentive (i.e. Intel tech is cheaper than Qualcomm, but worse).
2. Pressure (i.e. lower the BOM because we're selling 10 million of these a month)
3. Lack of effective oversight.
FWIW I also differ on the statement "deceit is rare". I think ~10% of people will lie if it makes them look better short term, and ~1% will lie aggressively i.e. fraud or relationship aggression. When there is a job with a big incentive for deceit and inadequate oversight it will filter in favor of the liars.
Of course this particular case could be flimsy, all these companies are suing each other all the time, it is impossible to tell what is actually going on.
1. Incentive (i.e. Intel tech is cheaper than Qualcomm, but worse).
2. Pressure (i.e. lower the BOM because we're selling 10 million of these a month)
3. Lack of effective oversight.
FWIW I also differ on the statement "deceit is rare". I think ~10% of people will lie if it makes them look better short term, and ~1% will lie aggressively i.e. fraud or relationship aggression. When there is a job with a big incentive for deceit and inadequate oversight it will filter in favor of the liars.
Of course this particular case could be flimsy, all these companies are suing each other all the time, it is impossible to tell what is actually going on.