A US trade panel is set to probe a number of Chinese equipment companies, following a complaint by chipmaker Qualcomm alleging infringements on its patents.
The US international trade commission voted to start an investigation, after the chipmaker said some electronic devices made by certain Chinese companies contain hardware and software components that infringe on patents owned by the company.
According to Reuters, the panel will look at integrated circuits, cameras, systems on chips and other technology used by Chinese companies Zhuhai Meizu Technology, Zhuhai Meizu Telecom Equipment, Dest Technology and LGYD, while Chicago-based Overseas Electronics was also named.
Qualcomm has had issues in China before, with it facing a lengthy antitrust investigation in 2015, causing some of the country’s vendors to delay signing licencing deals with the firm.
It has however recently put those troubles behind it. CEO Steve Molenkopf said nine out of the 10 largest handset makers in the country had signed agreements now, with significant progress in the last quarter, which boosted its Q4 financial performance.
Qualcomm reportedly also asked the trade commission to issue a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders against the companies under investigation.
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