Antitrust regulators question Qualcomm chip sales in South Korea

Antitrust regulators in South Korea are questioning some of Qualcomm's business practices, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The chipmaker said that regulators at the Korea Fair Trade Commission issued a case examiner's report, detailing allegations that certain aspects Qualcomm's practices associated with chip sales might be unlawful. The company said the practices are related to the "integration of multimedia solutions" into the company's chipsets, as well as "rebates and discounts provided to its chipset customers."

A company spokeswoman did not provide any further details about the inquiry because it is confidential, but did tell the Journal, "Qualcomm believes its actions have been lawful and over the next several months plans to submit its response to the allegations." The company, which provides many of the chipsets found in cell phones, said the inquiry does not provide any specific remedies that the Korea FTC may ask for.

Some of Qualcomm's major customers in South Korea include LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics. Qualcomm has often been involved in legal disputes over chipset patents and importation, especially with its long-time rival Broadcom.

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