Qualcomm appeals $1.23bn EU fine
Qualcomm has confirmed it has received a decision from the European Commission (EC) relating to an expired agreement between Qualcomm and Apple, which was in effect from 2011 through 2016, for the pricing of modem chips.
The EC alleges that certain provisions of this agreement were in violation of European Union competition law and has imposed a fine of approximately €997,439,000m (approximately $1.23bn). Qualcomm strongly disagrees with the decision and will immediately appeal it to the General Court of the European Union. The EC decision does not relate to Qualcomm’s licensing business and has no impact on ongoing operations.
“We are confident this agreement did not violate EU competition rules or adversely affect market competition or European consumers,” said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm. “We have a strong case for judicial review and we will immediately commence that process.”