WebProNews

Tag: modems

  • Supreme Court Kills Apple’s Attempt to Overturn Qualcomm’s Patents

    Supreme Court Kills Apple’s Attempt to Overturn Qualcomm’s Patents

    The United States Supreme Court has killed Apple’s efforts to overturn Qualcomm’s patents, ending the iPhone maker’s long-standing legal battle.

    Apple relies on Qualcomm for the modems it includes in its iPhones and iPads. The two companies have a years-long history of legal disputes over Qualcomm’s patents. The battle began in 2017 when Qualcomm accused Apple of infringing patents, with the two companies reaching a settlement in 2019.

    As AppleInsider notes, the settlement allowed Apple to continue using Qualcomm’s modems but contained a provision that also allowed Apple to challenge the validity of two of Qualcomm’s patents. Apple has maintained that Qualcomm could, and likely would, sue it again once the current license agreement expires in 2025 or 2027 if the two companies extend the agreement.

    Unfortunately for Apple, the Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) ruled in Qualcomm’s favor. Apple appealed the decision, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit also sided with Qualcomm.

    The Supreme Court has now declined to hear Apple’s case, following the Biden Administration urging the court to deny Apple’s appeal.

    Only time will tell if Qualcomm will sue Apple once the current agreement expires, but the entire situation is no doubt lending impetus to Apple’s efforts to design and deploy its own modem stack.

  • Intel Increases Cable Presence with Purchase of Texas Instruments’ Cable Modem Unit

    Intel just announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Texas Instruments’ cable modem unit. Intel says this will enhance its focus on in the cable industry and related markets.

    Intel will combine TI’s Puma product lines with the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standard and Intel’s SoCs for a set top box, and other model products for the cable industry. "The objective is to provide cable OEMs with an open and powerful platform for delivering innovative and differentiated products to service providers that improve the video, voice and data content experience at home," Intel says.

    Puma 5 from TI – Puma on Vimeo.

    "Adding the talents of the Texas Instruments’ cable team to Intel’s efforts to bring its advanced technology to consumer electronics makes for a compelling combination," said Bob Ferreira, general manager, Cable Segment, Intel’s Digital Home Group. "Intel is focused on delivering SoCs that provide the foundation for consumer electronics devices such as set top boxes, digital TVs, Blu-ray disc players, companion boxes and related devices. This acquisition specifically strengthens Intel’s product offerings for the continuum of cable gateway products and reinforces Intel’s continued commitment to the cable industry."

    Intel says it has offered all TI employees with the cable modem team the chance to keep their jobs in at Intel sites in their respective countries (mostly Israel). They would become part of the company’s Digital Home Group.

    Financial terms of the acquisition weren’t revealed. The deal is subject to regulatory review, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter.