Qualcomm has filed a counter-suit against Apple at the ITC, calling for an import ban on the iPhone for infringement of Qualcomm patents. The chipmaker said it asked the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to start an investigation into Apple's alleged infringement of of six Qualcomm patents covering technologies that enable important features and functions in iPhones. Qualcomm wants the ITC to ultimately impose a ban on the import and sale of iPhones that use cellular baseband processors other than those supplied by Qualcomm and its affiliates.
Qualcomm also filed a complaint against Apple in the US District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging that Apple infringes the same six patents in the complaint filed at the ITC. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief. Qualcomm said it expects that the ITC investigation will commence in August and that the case will be tried next year.
The retaliation follows Apple suing the company in January for excessive licensing fees. Apple wants USD 1 billion in overpaid fees back from Qualcomm as well as damages for the chipmaker's attempts to control the market. Qualcomm has called Apple's fees "baseless" and accused Apple of supporting regulatory investigations against the company. Qualcomm earlier asked the California court where Apple's suit is underway to award damages from Apple for reneging on its promises in several agreements.
