Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Is Qualcomm Violating EU Competition Law?

Leading mobile wireless technology companies call on European Commission to investigate Qualcomm’s anti-competitive conduct

Broadcom, Ericsson, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Texas Instruments have each filed Complaints to the European Commission requesting that it investigate and stop Qualcomm’s anti-competitive conduct in the licensing of essential patents for 3G mobile technology.

The companies state that Qualcomm is violating EU competition law and failing to meet the commitments Qualcomm made to international standard bodies around the world that it would license its technology on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Absent these commitments, the WCDMA 3G standard would not have been adopted. Qualcomm is infringing these rules by:

  • trying to exclude competing manufacturers of chipsets for mobile phones from the market and preventing others from entering. To this end, Qualcomm has committed a number of abuses, ranging from the refusal to licence essential patents to potential chipset competitors on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms to offering lower royalty rates to handset customers who buy chipsets exclusively from Qualcomm.
  • charging royalties for its WCDMA essential patents that are excessive and disproportionate; in particular by imposing the same royalty rate on WCDMA 3G handsets as it does for CDMA2000 3G handsets despite the fact that Qualcomm has contributed far less technology to the WCDMA 3G standard than it has to the CDMA2000 standard.

The companies believe that Qualcomm’s anti-competitive behaviour has harmful effects for the mobile telecommunications sector in Europe, as well as elsewhere, because carriers and consumers are facing higher prices and fewer choices.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Grado Signature S950 Headphones on woman lifestyle

Headphones

Not only do the new Grado Signature S950 feature an improved headband, gorgeous ear cups, and a brand new 52mm driver...but they finally have...

Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier Front View Angle Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier Front View Angle

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Starting at $21,600, the high-end Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier offers DAC and Phono pre-amp upgradability for $13,300 extra.

Wharfedale Aston Stand-mount Speakers Pair Wharfedale Aston Stand-mount Speakers Pair

Bookshelf Speakers

Before you get too excited, British audiophiles are getting a much better deal on these Heritage Series Limited Edition loudspeakers.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds on Woman Lifestyle Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds on Woman Lifestyle

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Incorporating the Apple H2 chip, Bluetooth, spatial audio, wireless charging and more, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds offer a lot for just...

Craft Recordings RSD 2025 Albums Craft Recordings RSD 2025 Albums

Music

Craft Recordings announces seven titles coming to participating independent music retailers on Record Store Day, April 12, spanning jazz, salsa, rock and soul.

Orchard Audio Valencia Balanced Headphone Amplifier Orchard Audio Valencia Balanced Headphone Amplifier

Headphone Amps

At $1,999, Orchard Audio Valencia is a balanced desktop power amplifier designed for headphones, but powerful enough for speakers.

Gift Ideas?

Super Bowl LIX Gift Guide

Gift Guides

Experience the full impact of Super Bowl LIX in your living room with both a big picture and big sound.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers