Ever since 2017, Apple and its primary modem chip supplier Qualcomm have been dealing with some severe falling-outs. First, Apple had accused Qualcomm of charging it unfairly high prices compared to other competitors.
The two companies managed to reach a settlement on Tuesday, however, right when things were about to get heated in the courts. Apple and Qualcomm struck a deal which put a stop to further prosecution for both parties (Qualcomm was also simultaneously running a case against Apple’s contracted manufacturers), at least for the time being.
This is in reference to a series of claims Apple had previously made on Qualcomm intellectual property, which were first rejected but then re-appealed by Apple to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
And now that Apple has chosen to make peace with Qualcomm—in a deal which includes a global patent license and a chipset supply contract for years to come—Apple has now precluded its ability to continue pursuing its patent claims on Qualcomm.
“We do not write on a blank skate in assessing Apple’s standing here,” the Federal Circuit stated in the ruling yesterday (as reported by AppleInsider). “Rather, as presaged above, the writing is already on the wall.”
