Government Order Blocks Some Qualcomm-Based Cell Phone Imports
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Richard Baguley Published on June 08, 2007 Comment on this |
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An ongoing patent dispute between Qualcomm and Broadcom could lead to a shortage of some models of new cell phones: an order by the U.S. International trade commission is blocking the import of new models of cell phones that are built around Qualcomm’s WCDMA 3G cell phone radio chips.The dispute centers on a patent dispute between Qualcomm and Broadcom concerning patents that Broadcom holds around power saving techniques used to save battery power. Broadcom are alleging that Qualcomm is infringing upon their patents, and complained to the US International Trade Commission. In a 4-2 vote, the commission decided to restrict the import of some phones that use the chips at the center of the
patent tussle. However, the commission restriction only applies to new cell phones; models that are already released aren’t covered by the ban.
That option was available to the commission, but they decided to restrict it to new models only; existing models that contain chips using the disputed patents can still be imported.
Unsurprisingly, Qualcomm aren’t happy with this and are attacking the way the decision was made. ““We believe the Commission has not afforded manufacturers and operators, who will bear the brunt of this order, an adequate opportunity to defend their interests” said Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs. They are going straight to the top, and are pushing for the US president to rescind the ban.
Qualcomm aren’t going to be affected by the decision immediately, but it could be a serious problem for them in the near future as new cell phone models are released and can’t be imported. The order takes effective immediately, then become final after 60 days. However, it seems likely that this dispute will be resolved before then; either the order will be overturned, or Qualcomm and Broadcom will settle the dispute.
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