Qualcomm vs ARM: The Trial That's Dangerous for the Entire Tech Industry

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In 2021, Qualcomm acquired startup Nuvia for $1.4 billion. Nuvia had licensed ARM to develop server chips, but Qualcomm repurposed those technologies to design laptop processors. ARM considers this repurposing a violation of the original licensing agreement and has taken the case to court in 2022. The trial between ARM and Qualcomm begins this Monday, with high stakes for the entire industry.

The heart of the dispute lies in the interpretation of the licensing agreements. ARM claims that Qualcomm should have renegotiated the terms after acquiring Nuvia because the financial terms differed between the two companies. Qualcomm, for its part, maintains that its existing license with ARM is sufficient and accuses its opponent of overstepping its rights.

The relationship between the two companies is complex: Qualcomm pays about $300 million annually in royalties to ARM. The outcome of the trial could jeopardize Qualcomm's revenue, estimated at $39 billion. More than just a legal battle, it's the future of the global tech ecosystem that's at stake.

Repercussions for the entire tech industry

Indeed, this conflict directly threatens the global supply chain of smartphones and computers.Major OEMs like Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Microsoft, and others rely on Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips. ARM is not seeking financial damages but is demanding the destruction of all products using its intellectual property without a proper license.

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In October 2024, ARM even toughened its stance by threatening to revoke Qualcomm's license within 60 days. Qualcomm responded by calling the move a “desperate ploy”. And accusing ARM of anti-competitive behavior.

This legal battle comes at a particularly important time for the tech industry. New laptops with Qualcomm AI-optimized chips based on Nuvia's work could face delays. Microsoft, which is banking heavily on these processors for its next generation of Windows computers, is watching the situation with concern.

In addition, analysts point out that this trial could have major implications for intellectual property licensing agreements, mergers and acquisitions and contract law in the technology sector. Some experts, such as Stacy Rasgon of Bernstein Research, suggest that an amicable settlement would be in the interest of both parties, given their historical interdependence. The outcome of this trial, which will be held until Friday, is therefore eagerly awaited by the entire industry. 2025 may not be the year we expected.

• ARM vs. Qualcomm in pivotal trial over licensing following $1.4 billion Nuvia acquisition
• The stakes are high: Qualcomm's $39 billion in revenue is at stake
• The outcome could upend the entire tech industry, from smartphones to computers, and redefine the rules for licensing deals in the sector

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