By Prakash Sangam ,
EETimes, March 26, 2019
An analyst describes the many cases between Apple and Qualcomm and their potential impacts for the companies and the cellular industry.
By some accounts, there are more than 70 trials globally between the two mobile giants. Some are direct head-to-head battles, some involve third parties such as contract manufacturers, and some involve regulators.
The volume of cases each side brings aims to create leverage so it can negotiate from a position of strength. Although Qualcomm has been saying for some time the two will settle, it looks more and more like any settlement will be in the court, rather than outside it.
The details of each cases are almost mind-numbingly complex, and it’s easy to get lost in this maze. Nevertheless, these cases could profoundly affect the wireless industry and patent-licensing practices in many countries. So, here’s a guide to the cases and their significance, starting with the main ones that recently concluded and including ones that will play out soon.