Patent bully?
Qualcomm, Inc., holds lots of patents relating to digital processor technology, an essential ingredient in wireless telephones. Qualcomm in fact annually earns more than $2 billion in profit from royalty payments on its 1,900-plus patents.
A recent article highlights complaints about Qualcomm’s litigiousness. "Even their best customers hate their guts", someone said.
The article also notes that Qualcomm expects legal expenses will double (to $200) million in 2007. That amounts to a 10 percent contingent fee — which Blawgletter sees as a terrific deal for Qualcomm’s shareholders.
