Qualcomm Reportedly Seeks to Block U.S. iPhone Imports

As a part of the legal battle between the two firms, Qualcomm is reportedly looking to secure a ban on Apple iPhone imports into the United States.

According to a report from Bloomberg, the move is in retaliation for Apple’s decision to withhold billions of dollars in patent licensing fees. The petition will allegedly be filed through the U.S. International Trade Commission.

“Qualcomm is preparing to ask the International Trade Commission to stop the iPhone, which is built in Asia, from entering the country, threatening to block Apple’s iconic product from the American market in advance of its anticipated new model this fall, according to the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.”

Back in January Apple leveled a $1 billion lawsuit against Qualcomm, charging it with abusing its market dominance to obtain unfair royalties. The chip manufacturer was also forcing chip buyers to enter into patent licenses. In April, Qualcomm began a countersuit arguing that Apple broke a contract and wants to pay less than fair market value for these patent licenses.

The United States International Trade Commission could potentially put a stop to iPhone shipments to the United States should the ITC side with Qualcomm. It would be devastating for Apple if Qualcomm were to succeed and win this case because the United States is Apple’s biggest market, generating nearly $21.2 billion in revenue just in the last quarter.

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