China: Qualcomm case headed for resolution

Chinese authorities are nearing a resolution of its dispute with US chipmaker Qualcomm as government officials said they will soon settle antitrust charges against the world’s biggest makers of cellphone chips.

A decision in the case is “imminent,” according to a Reuters report, and could lead to fines exceeding $1 billion while also requiring concessions in Qualcomm’s business of charging licensing fees on phone chipsets that use its patents.

The National Development and Reform Commission has accused Qualcomm of having a clear monopoly and abusing its market position in wireless communications standards by overcharging Chinese handset makers to use its chipset technology.

Under China’s anti-monopoly law, the NDRC can impose fines of between 1 and 10 percent of a company’s revenues for the preceding year.

Qualcomm is just one of at least 30 foreign companies that have been subjected to investigations under China’sthe 2008 Anti-Monopoly Law. Some critics have claimed in recent months that 

Full Content: Tech Times

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