UPDATE 2-South Korea says Qualcomm licensing unfair--source

Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:22pm BST
 
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* South Korean antitrust charge broader than Qualcomm said

* Charges include discriminatory licenses

* South Korean antitrust decision expected in July

* Shares down 1 pct in after hours trading (Adds background, further detail, by-line, closing stock price)

By David Lawsky

SAN FRANCISCO, June 18 (Reuters) - South Korea's antitrust authorities have charged telephone maker Qualcomm Inc (QCOM.O) with unfair licensing terms in addition to charges the company has acknowledged, a source briefed on the matter said on Thursday.

The Korean Fair Trade Commission charges that Qualcomm set unreasonable and discriminatory terms for licensing its patents, said the source, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue.

Qualcomm has said publicly that the charges against it relate to its integration of multimedia products into its chipsets and also concern the rebates and discounts it gives chip customers. Two U.S. chip makers, Texas Instruments Inc (TXN.N), Broadcom Corp (BRCM.O), have complained about its actions, Qualcomm has said.

It has also said that privately-held South Korean companies Nextreaming Corp and Thin Multimedia Inc have filed complaints against it with the KFTC.  Continued...

 

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