Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)

[richbloem]

Jim, I agree that the general impression was that the Nok and E pursued UMTS with the goal of designing around Q's patents. However, I don't think it was as simple as that. I think there was an effort on their part to retain some of the GSM infrastructure and to a certain degree retain their top dog position. Of course, a major impetus had to be an attempt to dilute Q's IPR as much as possible. I don't think NOK or E was dumb enough to think they could design around all of Q's patents.

Now, of course, they are choosing to try to convince the general media and the industry that the value of a patent portfolio is directly equal to the quantity. They will take this argument to Q and Q will guietly advise them to go pound salt. Then Q will show them that the quality of your portfolio is much more valuable than quantity. They will pull out the study that argues that the quality of any patent is directly tied to the amount of patents that cite that patent. There is no argument that Q ranks number 1 in this measurement.

Personally, I am somewhat pissed that P. Jacobs ever brought up the fact that Nokia's license would need to be renewed by April, 07. Maybe they thought it was material and were obligated to do it, but I sure wish they didn't.