Mar 18, 2019 - Technology

Mixed rulings in high-stakes legal fights from Apple-Qualcomm

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The legal battle between Qualcomm and Apple is far from over. But some of the first key rulings are coming in. So far, it's a mixed bag.

Driving the news: Last week, a judge issued a preliminary ruling that Qualcomm owes Apple $1 billion in royalty payment rebates. However, that ruling is part of a broader case that has yet to go to trial. Furthermore, Apple's contract manufacturers have already been withholding money that covers the amount in dispute.

  • A day later, a jury in another case ordered Apple to pay Qualcomm $31 million for infringing on 3 non-standards essential patents. Perhaps more importantly, it put a dollar value on those patents, saying they are worth roughly $1.41 per device.

Why it matters: This is one of the most high-stakes legal fights in tech featuring 2 giants of the industry, both of whom are used to getting their way.

Go deeper: Four takeaways from Apple and Qualcomm's big patent fight (CNET)

Go deeper