Apple Battles Subpoenas In US Court Against Qualcomm

Apple is battling subpoenas in a U.S. Court in California against Qualcomm over allegations that Qualcomm misrepresented certain business practices which artificially boosted shares between 2012 and 2017, reported Reuters. 

Attorneys representing both Apple and Qualcomm are making their case as the the lawsuit enters its fourth month. Richard Doren of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represents Apple, while Robert Van Nest of Keker, Van Nest & Peters and Anthony Ryan of Cravath, Swaine & Moore act as counsel for Qualcomm.  

Related: Qualcomm Wins Appeals $1B EU Antitrust Fine Over Apple Payments

The lawsuit focuses on alleged anticompetitive sales and licensing practices which Qualcomm has denied. Plaintiffs are represented by Jonathan Uslaner of Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman and Gregg Levin of Motley Rice. Steven Strauss of Cooley also represents Qualcomm.

The dispute takes a unique turn as Qualcomm has sought to inquire about communication between Apple and the Federal Trade Commission and Apple’s cooperation with the agency related to an antitrust case the FTC brought in 2017 against Qualcomm. Apple firmly opposes the subpoena, stating that its “communications with the FTC are not relevant to the securities litigation between Qualcomm and its shareholders regarding alleged false statements by Qualcomm.”

Despite the push-back from Apple and representing attorneys for both sides, a judge ruled in March that the case could move forward as a class action. It remains to be seen if the case will be resolved justly.