• An attendee listens to information about 5G, aka 5th generation mobile networks, at the Qualcomm booth during CES 2017.

An attendee listens to information about 5G, aka 5th generation mobile networks, at the Qualcomm booth during CES 2017. (Photo : Getty Images)

Apple remains firm with it stand that Qualcomm charges "unfair" prices for their patents used in Apple's iPhone handsets.

The onset of 2017 shocked the world with the patent dispute involving two of the key players the telecommunications industry - Apple and Qualcomm.  The clash between the two stemmed from the statement of Apple alleging Qualcomm's unfair charge of royalties.

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As a result, the latter asked the International Trade Commission to stop the importation of iPhone handsets in the U.S although many users think this impossible. At the very least, this might just delay the release of new iPhone handsets.  However, the matter seemed to have been worsened as Apple already stopped paying royalties.

In fact, Apple remains firm to its stance on the dispute as its Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook responded on the issue. He said that Qualcomm's component is only a small part of the iPhone and the amount they are being charged is equal to the price of the whole iPhone unit. The tech giant claims to be on the right side and they know that Qualcomm thinks the same too.

This may be a common patent dispute, but having Qualcomm and Apple in the middle of this dispute makes it more crucial than usual because the two are global manufacturers and suppliers of one of the most sought-after handsets globally.

The dispute between the two companies boils down to the fair and reasonable payment that Qualcomm should charge for its patents. In return, Qualcomm claims that iPhone's commercial value relies greatly on the cellular technologies pioneered and engineered by Qualcomm and now Apple wants to pay less than fair value for a license Qualcomm patents.

Many believe that the reason for this dispute is not surprising anymore since it is rumored that Qualcomm's patent for 5g is underway and cellular companies cannot afford not to have such chip but they also cannot afford to have so much money out of their pockets in return. Alas, one of the solutions they might have thought of is to demand new fee standards for the patent before 5g comes.