A judge has dismissed Irvine-based Broadcom Corp.’s antitrust case against San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc., handing Broadcom a big loss in its fierce legal battles with the rival chipmaker.
A U.S. District Court judge said Qualcomm’s “alleged conduct does not support claims for monopolization or attempted monopolization.”
Broadcom shares slipped about 3% in midday trading Friday. The company said it plans to continue its fight against what it calls Qualcomm’s antitrust activities.
In the suit, Broadcom charged that Qualcomm was trying to use its patents on its next-generation wireless technology to stifle competition.
“Qualcomm should take little comfort in the court’s decision,” said David Dull, Broadcom’s general counsel. “The decision does not find that Qualcomm’s alleged misconduct was lawful or that Qualcomm honored its promises to standards setting bodies. Rather, Judge Mary Cooper simply held that Qualcomm’s alleged abuse does not give rise to federal antitrust liability.”
Broadcom said it believes Judge Cooper’s decision is at odds with “established precedent.”
The company filed a complaint on similar grounds with the European Commission. A decision on whether the commission will launch a formal investigation into Qualcomm’s practices is due later this year.
The New Jersey decision has no effect on patent litigation against Qualcomm, Broadcom said. The company alleges Qualcomm chips infringe on 18 U.S. patents held by Broadcom.
A U.S. International Trade Commission decision on whether Qualcomm infringes three of those patents is expected Oct. 10.
