Keep up Qualcomm fight, FTC urged

SAN DIEGO — A group of 20 technology companies, carmakers and advocacy groups is urging the Federal Trade Commission to continue the antitrust fight against Qualcomm.

A letter dated Monday to commissioners, the Computer and Communications Industry Association and others called for the agency to seek a rehearing before the entire 9th Circuit Court of a recent three-judge panel’s finding that Qualcomm’s patent licensing practices do not violate anti-monopoly laws.

Some rival chip firms and industry trade groups that supported the FTC’s initial antitrust lawsuit against Qualcomm in 2017 signed the letter as well, including Intel and The App Association.

But a few auto companies — Tesla, Honda, Ford and Daimler — also joined this time in asking commissioners to keep up the battle.

Automakers are increasingly relying on wireless connectivity in vehicles. Today, it’s mostly used for onboard information and entertainment, software updates and roadside assistance.

As faster, more reliable 5G networks become widespread, however, mobile connectivity could become a key technology for powering enhanced safety and self-driving features.

Qualcomm is among the leaders in 5G. The company declined to comment. But executives said recently that the San Diego-based company has a longstanding 3G/4G patent licensing business with automakers.

On Aug. 11, the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit threw out a lower court’s ruling that Qualcomm’s patent licenses were illegal under anti-monopoly law.

A rehearing petition would ask that all the judges of the 9th Circuit weigh in on the case.