Apple this week fired back against a Qualcomm patent infringement lawsuit with one of its own as the legal battle between the companies deepens.
Reuters reports that the latest Apple lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Diego, alleged that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 and 820 processors violated at least eight patents for battery life technology held by Apple.
The technology in question reportedly involves processes to limit battery consumption, including improved sleep and wake functions, turning systems off when not in use and ensuring that only the minimum energy is consumed.
The lawsuit followed a Qualcomm patent infringement case filed against Apple in July over power management and touchscreen systems. Attorneys for Apple argued in this week’s filing that the tech giant sought those patents “years before Qualcomm began seeking the patents it asserts against Apple.”
The courtroom fight between the companies began early this year when Apple filed an antitrust lawsuit against Qualcomm over its licensing practices. Reports suggested that Apple is considering abandoning its longtime chip partner and designing future iPhone and iPad models with chips from Intel, MediaTek and other rival companies.
Qualcomm, meanwhile, alleged in a filing earlier this month that Apple breached the terms of their contract and may have shared proprietary information with competitors.
Filed Under: Industry regulations + certifications