Apple, allies seek billions in US trial testing Qualcomm’s business model
Federal court case revolves on modem chips that connect devices like the iPhone or Apple Watch to wireless data networks
San Diego — Apple and its allies this week kick off a jury trial against chip supplier Qualcomm in San Diego, alleging that Qualcomm engaged in illegal patent licensing practices and seeking up to $27bn in damages. Qualcomm, for its part, alleges that Apple forced its longtime business partners to quit paying some royalties and is seeking up to $15bn. Filed by Apple in early 2017, the case in federal court revolves on the modem chips that connect devices like the iPhone or Apple Watch to wireless data networks. Qualcomm has spent the past two years mounting a pressure campaign of smaller legal skirmishes against Apple, seeking — and in some cases obtaining — iPhone sales bans for violating its patents. The trial before Judge Gonzalo Curiel will play out on Qualcomm’s home turf of San Diego, where for decades the city’s National Football League team played in Qualcomm Stadium and nearly every business district hosts the mobile chip firm’s logo. For Apple, the trial is about the fre...
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