US trade body to probe Apple on Qualcomm's patent claims
The mobile-phone chip-maker claimed that Apple violated potentially six of its patents in how it uses the Intel modems.
Trending Photos
![US trade body to probe Apple on Qualcomm's patent claims US trade body to probe Apple on Qualcomm's patent claims](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/styles/zm_700x400/public/2017/08/09/615443-qualrcom.jpg?im=Resize=(400))
San Francisco: To find a solution to the protracted legal battle between Apple and Qualcomm, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) will start an investigation into the chip-maker`s claims that Apple violated its patents in devices like the iPhone 7.
According to a report in Forbes on Tuesday, Qualcomm asked the ITC to stop further sales of iPhones equipped with cellular baseband modem processors made by rival chip-producer Intel.
The mobile-phone chip-maker claimed that Apple violated potentially six of its patents in how it uses the Intel modems.
"Qualcomm is pleased with the ITC`s decision to investigate Apple`s unfair trade practices and the unauthorised importation of products using Qualcomm`s patents," the report quoted Don Rosenberg, General Counsel, Qualcomm, as saying.
"We look forward to the ITC`s expeditious investigation of Apple`s ongoing infringement of our intellectual property and the accelerated relief that the Commission can provide," Rosenberg added.
The trade agency said it will make a determination "at the earliest practicable time".
The Computer and Communications Industry Association, which represents several tech companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon, lodged a formal letter with the ITC in July that Qualcomm`s proposed import ban on foreign-assembled iPhones using Intel chips would cause "significant shocks to supply" for the wider smartphone market.
It was followed by Intel`s standalone declaration supporting Apple. The declaration asserted that Qualcomm maintained a monopoly over the chip market through "anticompetitive practices".
Apple began using Intel cellular modems for some versions of the iPhone 7 launched last year, with the remaining supplied by Qualcomm.
Apple continues to reassert claims it made in its lawsuit against Qualcomm, saying "the chipmaker supplies Apple with a single connectivity component, but for years has been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products -- effectively taxing Apple`s innovation".
The global chip-maker had filed a new patent infringement lawsuit against Apple a few months back and now expects an `out of court` settlement with the Cupertino-based iPhone maker.
Qualcomm had lodged a complaint with the ITC requesting ban on import and domestic sales of iPhone and iPad models produced outside of the US.
More specifically, the chip-maker seeks an exclusion order that applies only to handsets that implement wireless modems made by Intel. Apple first began sourcing Intel modems with the iPhone 7 model last year.
Apple responded to Qualcomm`s claims of six infringements and demand for ban on foreign-made Apple devices, saying the company had tried to negotiate before suing and that Qualcomm is abusing its position.
Stating that its third quarter results were negatively impacted by Apple`s contract manufacturers not paying royalties, chip giant Qualcomm reported its revenue declined 11 per cent over the previous year.
Live Tv