Apple today indicated that it will yank at least some versions of the iPhone from store shelves in Germany after a court ruled that Apple is violating patented Qualcomm technology.
The court said Apple could not sell devices in Germany that contain a specific part. The part comes from Qorvo and the court says it infringes on a Qualcomm patent pertaining to envelope tracking, a method of saving battery life when sending/receiving wireless signals.
“We are of course disappointed by this verdict and we plan to appeal,” said Apple in a statement provided to Reuters. “All iPhone models remain available to customers through carriers and resellers in 4,300 locations across Germany. During the appeal process, iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models will not be available at Apple’s 15 retail stores in Germany. iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR will remain available in all our stores.”
Qualcomm and Apple have been battling one another over patents in court rooms around the world. Apple says Qualcomm uses anti-competitive licensing practices, while Qualcomm says Apple is using its technology without permission.
There are currently significant cases in progress in the U.S. and China.
