Qualcomm launches patent challenge to Apple ahead of antitrust case
Maker of mobile chips seeks millions in damages as it claims iPhone maker violated three patents
San Francisco — Qualcomm on Monday kicks off a patent challenge to Apple, capping a two-year legal strategy to put pressure on the iPhone maker before a major antitrust lawsuit between the two goes to trial in April. Qualcomm, the world’s biggest maker of mobile chips, alleges in federal court in San Diego that Apple violated three of its patents. It is asking for tens of millions of dollars or more in damages. The patent case is part of a two-year series of lawsuits around the world between the companies. Apple has alleged that Qualcomm engaged in illegal patent practices to protect a dominant position in the chip market, and Qualcomm has accused Apple of using its technology without compensation. The legal saga will reach a crescendo in April, when an antitrust case filed by Apple in early 2017 heads to trial and challenges the foundation of Qualcomm’s business model. Since then Qualcomm has filed a series of patent actions timed to conclude before the antitrust trial and rack up ...
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