Qualcomm ordered to pay BlackBerry $815 million in licensing dispute

An arbitration panel has ordered Qualcomm to pay BlackBerry nearly $815 million, plus interest and attorneys' fees, in a contract dispute over royalty payments.

In a statement, Qualcomm said the issue was limited to its agreement with BlackBerry.

While Qualcomm does not agree with the decision, it is binding and not appealable. The arbitration decision was limited to prepayment provisions unique to BlackBerry's license agreement with Qualcomm and has no impact on agreements with any other licensee.

Why it matters: It's just another legal headache for Qualcomm, which is also dealing with a massive battle with Apple, one of its biggest customers, as well as antitrust inquiries in the U.S. and elsewhere.