14 DAY TRIAL // The Computer & Communications Industry Association announced that it’s siding with Apple in the lawsuit against Qualcomm, explaining in comments with the US International Trade Commission that a possible ban on iPhones in the United States would harm not only the Cupertino-based company, but the entire market and eventually consumers.
Microsoft, Google, Samsung, Facebook, Netflix, Uber, and others are all part of the CCIA, but surprisingly, Apple is not a member despite receiving the organization’s support in the fight against Qualcomm.
As Reuters reports, the CCIA says that banning Apple from importing iPhones made in other countries would lead to what it describes as significant shocks to supply for phones, which in the end would cause increased prices for consumers.
“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,” Ed Black, CCIA CEO, was quoted as saying. “What’s at stake here is certainly the availability of iPhones and other smartphones at better prices.”
Apple suppliers siding with the company
The dispute between Apple and Qualcomm started in January this year after Cupertino decided to file a lawsuit against the chipmaker following FTC claims that the company pays higher patent royalties for baseband chips. In its turn, Qualcomm files a lawsuit against Apple as well, requiring US authorities to ban the sale of iPhone in the United States, claiming that models with Intel modems violate its patents.
More recently, Apple also received the support for several of its partners, including iPhone suppliers such as Foxconn and Pegatron, who explained that they cannot be forced to pay royalty fees by Qualcomm for manufacturing iPhone parts.
Neither Microsoft nor Google issued individual statements on their support for Apple and Cupertino itself remains tight-lipped on these latest moves, though there is information that the company is actually funding the defense of its iPhone makers in the lawsuit against Qualcomm.