NEW YORK (AP) – Apple is seeking to void some of Qualcomm’s patent claims and licensing agreements, intensifying its legal battle with the chip maker over the technology in iPhones and iPads.
In a federal court filing Tuesday, Apple cited a Supreme Court ruling last month that a printer-cartridge maker’s patent rights end with the initial sale of the cartridges. Apple says that ruling strengthens its argument that Qualcomm cannot continue to demand royalties for the patents after selling its cellular chips.
The new court documents expand on a $1 billion lawsuit Apple filed in January in U.S. District Court in San Diego. Qualcomm has disputed Apple’s claims that it is overcharging for patent-related license fees. The San Diego company didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment, made before regular business hours.
Apple is also seeking to narrow the list of Qualcomm patents covered by its products. In addition, it argues that licensing fees based on a percentage of iPhone and iPad prices are unfair because Qualcomm’s technologies cover a small portion of what goes into those devices.
One argument working in Qualcomm’s favor, however: Apple and its contractors signed agreements to pay licensing fees this way. Apple says it was coerced to do so because Qualcomm chips were essential to Apple’s products. Apple is now less dependent on Qualcomm because Intel makes similar chips.