Wednesday, June 22, 2005

ITC Starts Qualcomm Investigation

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has begun an investigation into whether San Diego-based Qualcomm has engaged in unfair trade practices by importing baseband processor chips and components that infringe upon Irvine-based Broadcom patents. Irvine-based Broadcom had filed a compliant with the ITC in May, seeking to bar Qualcomm from importing devices that Broadcom says infringe upon its patents. Broadcom also filed two lawsuits against Qualcomm last month alleging that Qualcomm has infringed upon 10 of Broadcom's patents in the area of wired, wireless, and multimedia processing. Broadcom reported that the case has been referred to ITC Administrative Law Judge Charles E. Bullock to schedule and hold hearings.

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