After the FTC goes after Qualcomm on a monopoly charge, Apple also sues it [atualizado]

THE Apple has just opened a case against Qualcomm related to an alleged monopoly in the wireless chip market, a few days after Federal Trade Commission from the United States also approve the manufacturer.

According to an FTC investigation, from 2011 to 2016 Qualcomm explored an exclusive contract with Apple to prevent or hinder the development of competing manufacturers of its chips such as Intel, which only in the iPhones 7/7 Plus conquered part of Apple's demand.

For years, Qualcomm has been responsible for the 3G / 4G chips that equip all iPhones and iPads with cellular connectivity. Here is a part of the statement issued by Apple today on the case:

Qualcomm built its business on old standards but strengthens its dominance through exclusive tactics and royalties excessive. Although it is one of more than a dozen companies that have contributed to basic cellular standards, Qualcomm insists on charging Apple at least five times more in payments than all the other cellular patent licensors with which we have signed agreements together.

Apple's lawsuit against Qualcomm, specifically, states that it seeks a refund of $ 1 billion referring to royalties that they would be held back by the fact that Apple cooperated with Korean antitrust agencies. The FTC's action involves other aspects of the alleged monopoly practiced by the manufacturer, and it must have been instigated also by its competitors.

The big fight. We'll follow up.

(via Bloomberg, Fortune)

Update · 01/21/2017 s 12:02

Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's executive vice president and general counsel, issued the following statement about the Apple lawsuit:

Although we are still analyzing the case in detail, it is quite clear that Apple's accusations have no basis. Apple intentionally mischaracterized our agreements and our dealings, in addition to the enormity and value of the technology that we invented, contributed to and shared with all mobile device manufacturers through our licensing program. Apple has actively encouraged regulatory attacks on Qualcomm's business in various jurisdictions around the world, as reflected in the recent KFTC decision and FTC complaint, manipulating facts and storing information. We will take the opportunity to have the merits of these complaints heard in court, where we will be entitled to full discovery of Apple's practices and a robust examination of the merits.

One thing about the curious statement: Qualcomm practically recognized that it charges dearly for its inventions, yes, because it sees a lot of value in them. It is up to justice, then, to determine whether or not such patents should be licensed to the industry as a whole in Apple alone under FRAND terms (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory, that is, fairly / reasonably).

Amit Daryanani, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, sees a strong possibility that the outcome of this process will contribute to both Apple's margins and greater competition in the industry.

(via MacRumors, AppleInsider)