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Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft stand up with Apple against Qualcomm

Google, Samsung, Facebook, Uber, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, and more has aligned itself against Qualcomm in its legal dispute with Apple.

A conglomerate of technology companies including Alphabet’s Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft has stood up with Apple in its fight against chipmaker Qualcomm.

According to a report by the Reuters, the Computer and Communication Industry Association, of which, Google, Samsung, Intel, Facebook, Uber, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, and more are members, has aligned itself against Qualcomm in its legal dispute with Apple by calling on regulators to reject Qualcomm’s bid to ban the import of iPhones.

The group has also filed comments with the US International Trade Commission, arguing that “barring Apple from importing foreign-assembled iPhones that use Intel chips—as Qualcomm has requested—would cause “significant shocks to supply” for phones and would hurt consumers.”

Apple is not a member of the Computer and Communication Industry Association.

Qualcomm supplies processor to Apple, which helps iPad and iPhones connect to cellular data networks for operations. The two has now been involved in months-long disputes over “patent infringement” around making iPhone work better without draining battery. Qualcomm has filed a complaint with the US ITC seeking to ban Intel-powered iPhones, asserting that they use technology that “violates the company’s patents”.

CCIA President and CEO Ed Black in a statement said, “Qualcomm is already using its dominant position to pressure competitors and tax competing products. If the ITC were to grant this exclusion order, it would help Qualcomm use its monopoly power for further leverage against Apple, and allow them to drive up prices on consumer devices.”

“What’s at stake here is certainly the availability of iPhones and other smartphones at better prices. But even more critical is the principle of open competition that has been historically important to US economic success. The ITC has a choice whether to further reward anti-competitive behaviour – or to reject this anti-free market, anti-consumer request,” he added.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle with agency inputs )
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