US: Automakers warn connected car prices to rise if Qualcomm wins antitrust case

According to a report from Reuters, the cost of cars equipped with ultra-fast 5G wireless technology is likely to go up if microchip supplier Qualcomm’s  patent licensing practices fail to change, a trade group representing major automakers and two leading automotive suppliers said in court filings.

Qualcomm is seeking to overturn a sweeping antitrust decision requiring it to renegotiate its licensing agreements at reasonable prices. Appeal proceedings in the case brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission are expected to begin in January, but Qualcomm’s opponents are weighing in early to argue that the antitrust decision should be allowed to stand. 

Trade groups representing the US units of BMW, Ford Motor, General Motors and Toyota Motor, among others, made various claims about adverse effects of Qualcomm’s licensing practices in the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. Also filing was a unit of German supplier Continental and Japan-based Denso, both makers of “infotainment” and location-tracking car technology.

Full Content: Reuters

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