Qualcomm and Apple have each won decisions at the ITC in their ongoing patent battle. An administrative judge of the International Trade Commission found that Apple infringed Qualcomm's power management patent and recommended the issue of an exclusion order preventing sales of the infringing Apple products in the US. At the same, the full ITC panel found Apple did not infringe another patent held by Qualcomm.
The initial ruling covers Qualcomm's US Patent No. 8,063,674, which helps improve power management in processor circuitry in mobile devices. Qualcomm accused Apple of copying the technique in its A10, A11 and A12 application processors, which are used in iPhones from the iPhone 7 through the most recently released models. The full ITC must still confirm the decision and approve the proposed remedies. A decision is expected by 26 July, Qualcomm said.
At the same time the full ITC ruled on another case pitting Apple against Qualcomm. An initial ruling in September had found that Apple infringed one Qualcomm patent related to power management but didn't infringe two other patents. In the full panel review, the one Qualcomm patent was found also to be invalid, thanks to "clear and convincing evidence" from Apple, the ITC said. No remedies will be imposed and this case is closed, the ITC said.
Qualcomm said it would appeal that decision, as it contradicts a recent jury verdict that found Apple infringed the same patent.
