Tag Archives: ftc

FTC, Qualcomm give closing arguments in trial over mobile chip licenses

The US Federal Trade Commission’s case against Qualcomm is now in the hands of a judge.  On Tuesday the two sides presented their hour-long closing arguments in a case that could have big implications for the technology world. The FTC has accused Qualcomm of operating a monopoly in the mobile chip market, which hurt rivals …

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FTC’s witness criticizes Qualcomm’s economics experts as ‘sloppy’

“Outrageous.” “Fabricated.” “All messed up.” “Sloppy.” That’s how the US Federal Trade Commission’s key expert witness on Monday said he viewed testimony given by Qualcomm’s expert economists last week.   Carl Shapiro, a professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, on Monday defended his theory that Qualcomm’s high royalty rates hurt competitors, handset makers and consumers and helped …

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Qualcomm wraps up defense after expert rebuts FTC witness

Qualcomm on Friday wrapped up its defense against US Federal Trade Commission allegations that it operates a monopoly in mobile chips.  The company called Aviv Nevo, a University of Pennsylvania economics and marketing professor, to rebut claims made by FTC experts. It also called Alex Rogers, the current head of its licensing business, to reiterate how Qualcomm’s licensing business operates.  …

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Qualcomm didn’t have all the license negotiating power, exec testifies

Qualcomm doesn’t have all the power when it comes to negotiating licensing contracts, a company executive testified Friday. Instead, handset makers have options to reach terms they view as more favorable, he said.  Fabian Gonell, senior vice president of licensing strategy and legal counsel for Qualcomm’s licensing business, said during a trial Friday that Samsung, Sony Mobile and others have …

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FTC rests case against Qualcomm, arguing it’s a monopoly in mobile chips

The US Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday presented its last witnesses and evidence in its case against Qualcomm. Now it’s up to Qualcomm to defend itself in the coming days against claims it’s a monopoly in wireless chips.  The FTC, aided by chipmaker Intel and iPhone vendor Apple, filed suit two years ago, accusing Qualcomm of forcing customers like Apple to work with it exclusively …

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German court dismisses latest Qualcomm patent suit against Apple

A German court on Tuesday dismissed Qualcomm’s latest patent suit against Apple, calling the claims “unfounded.” Separately, the US Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board on Tuesday said it will review three Qualcomm patents at issue in its International Trade Commission cases against Apple.  The German case is related to something called “bulk tension” or voltage in …

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Apple’s 5G iPhone shift bogged down by Qualcomm chip battle

Apple wanted to use Qualcomm’s 4G LTE processors in its newest iPhones, but the chipmaker wouldn’t sell to it, Apple’s operating chief testified Monday. And that’s had a ripple effect on how quickly Apple can make the shift to 5G. Qualcomm continues to provide Apple with chips for its older iPhones, including the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple COO …

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Qualcomm CEO defends chip licensing business in FTC trial

The Federal Trade Commission thinks your phone is being held back by Qualcomm’s business practices. But Qualcomm Chief Executive Steve Mollenkopf says the way his company sells chips to smartphone makers is best for everybody involved. Qualcomm’s “no license, no chips” policy is at the heart of the FTC’s case against Qualcomm, which lawyers are arguing before Judge Lucy Koh …

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Qualcomm’s hardball tactics squeezed Intel chips out of Apple’s 2014 iPad

Apple wanted to build an Intel communication chip into its iPad Mini 2, released in fall 2013, but Qualcomm’s hardball business methods crushed the plan, an Apple executive testified Friday in a US government case targeting Qualcomm’s power in the mobile market. Apple didn’t like relying solely on Qualcomm for modem chips, which connect devices to mobile networks, said Tony …

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Senators want to give FTC more authority to combat illegal robocalls

Lawmakers are continuing their push to end robocalls. On Wednesday, Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota introduced the REAL PEACE Act, which would expand the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to crack down on telecom companies that facilitate illegal robocalls. (In case you’re wondering, the witty acronym stands for “Robocall Elimination At …

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