Apple files suit against Qualcomm

Apple wants Qualcomm to give it the $1 billion dollars in chip rebates that it alleges the company is holding as payback for the company for working with South Korean antitrust regulators.

“For many years Qualcomm has unfairly insisted on charging royalties for technologies they have nothing to do with,” Apple said in a statement.

“Qualcomm insists on charging Apple at least five times more in payments than all the other cellular patent licensors we have agreements with combined. We are extremely disappointed in the way Qualcomm is conducting its business with us and unfortunately after years of disagreement over what constitutes a fair and reasonable royalty we have no choice left but to turn to the courts.”

Qualcomm rejected Apple’s claims in a sharply worded statement alleging that Apple had “mischaracterized our agreements and negotiations, as well as the enormity and value of the technology we have invented.”  

“While we are still in the process of reviewing the complaint in detail, it is quite clear that Apple’s claims are baseless,” Qualcomm said. 

“Apple has been actively encouraging regulatory attacks on Qualcomm’s business in various jurisdictions around the world. We welcome the opportunity to have these meritless claims heard in court where we will be entitled to full discovery of Apple’s practices and a robust examination of the merits.”

This story was updated on Jan. 20 at 7:44 p.m.