Qualcomm this week launched a major new patent dispute with Apple. Qualcomm is filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking to block the importation of iPhones that infringe on six Qualcomm patents related to power efficiency.
Qualcomm-powered iPhones are covered by a patent licensing deal, the complaint only covers iPhones powered by Intel modem chipsets. Qualcomm is also seeking to bar sales of already-imported phones, and is filing suit in a California court on the same matter, seeking damages and injunctive relief. The six patents at issue are not considered “standards essential”.
The patents were issued in the last four years, and cover a variety of technologies, including varying antenna power, and efficiently connecting circuits of different voltages.
Another patent enables “flashless boot” of the device to an internet-connected state. The ITC case will likely be tried in 2018.
