Qualcomm is reportedly considering countersuing Apple after Apple filed a $1 billion lawsuit against the company on Friday.
Apple’s lawsuit against Qualcomm relates to the fees Qualcomm charges for use of its licenses, which Apple says amounts to, “at least five times more in payments than all the other cellular patent licensors we have agreements with combined.”
It’s not clear what Qualcomm might sue Apple for, but it could be either in the U.S or elsewhere. It is also attempting to get Apple’s case — which asks for lower licensing fees and the return of $1 billion Qualcomm owes — dismissed.
In a previous statement, Qualcomm’s executive vice president and general counsel, Don Rosenberg, argued that Apple has:
“intentionally mischaracterized our agreements and negotiations, as well as the enormity and value of the technology we have invented, contributed and shared with all mobile device makers through our licensing program. Apple has been actively encouraging regulatory attacks on Qualcomm’s business in various jurisdictions around the world, as reflected in the recent [South Korean Fair Trade Commission] decision and FTC complaint, by misrepresenting facts and withholding information. We welcome the opportunity to have these meritless claims heard in court where we will be entitled to full discovery of Apple’s practices and a robust examination of the merits.”
Just like the ongoing Samsung patent lawsuit, however, it seems that any legal action between Qualcomm and Apple won’t affect their business relationship. Qualcomm currently supplies modem chips to Apple for use in the iPhone.
Since both companies benefit from the agreement (despite Apple’s insistence that Qualcomm charges way too much for the technology), that deal is set to continue for the immediate future.
Source: Re/code
