Mobile phone firms join Qualcomm row

Some phones have been banned from import into the US

Chip manufacturer Qualcomm is being joined in its bid to suspend the ruling banning the import of some third generation mobile phones into the US by telecommunication companies including AT &T, T-Mobile and electronic goods firm LG.

The International Trade Commission last week banned the import of some 3G phones that contain chips that allegedly infringe on rival Broadcom’s patent.

Qualcomm is petitioning the courts to suspend the decision because it will harm US consumers and stunt mobile broadband development.

LG will be one of the biggest companies hit by the decision because its high-end mobile phones include Qualcomm chips. Network operators such as AT &T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless will also be affected.

The ban does not affect mobile phones already on the market, but does prevent the import of new mobile phone technologies.

LG has joined AT&T and T-Mobile in joining Qualcomm to oppose the order.

Last month Qualcomm was ordered to pay Broadcom $19.6m (£9.9m) for a separate patent infringement. And Qualcomm was paid $20m (£10.2m) by Nokia to settle its own dispute over patents earlier this year.