The U.S Supreme Court on Monday rejected Apple’s plea to continue fighting two of Qualcomm’s patents. These patents were a part of lawsuits filed by Qualcomm in 2017 claiming infringement by Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. While the litigation was settled between the two tech giants in 2019 with a six-year licensing agreement, the case of two patents was allowed to continue.
However, Apple lost to Qualcomm in front of the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The Federal Circuit court also rejected to hear Apple’s appeal request based on the settlement reached. Apple made a bid again to the Supreme Court claiming that Qualcomm might use the patents to sue once again when the licensing deal expires in 2025 or 2027 (if extended).
Apple said that Qualcomm has a history of aggressively enforcing its patents and has not disclaimed any intention to sue again after the licensing term has expired. Qualcomm asked the court to reject the appeal as Apple has not shown any concrete injury to give it a proper legal standing.
President Biden’s administration also submitted a brief in May urging the Supreme Court to reject Apple’s appeal.
