Qualcomm said the manufacturers have not disputed their contractual obligations, but told the chipmaker they were acting under Apple's orders not to pay. Qualcomm noted that the licences date in most cases from before the iPhone, and Apple is not party to the agreements. Further, the defendants are continuing to pay royalties for use of Qualcomm’s technology in non-Apple products, under the same agreements.
Qualcomm has already filed a separate claim against Apple for unlawful interference with the licence agreements between Qualcomm and these manufacturers. The dispute started in January when Apple sued the chipmaker claiming it was charging excessive licensing fees for use of its technology. Qualcomm filed a counter claim in April, denied the claims and said that Apple had breached and mischaracterized agreements and negotiations. In late April Qualcomm warned that its results would be impacted by Apple withholding payments.
