Full History Of Qualcomm In Timeline From 1985

July 1985: Qualcomm Founded

In July 1985, Qualcomm was founded by seven former Linkabit employees, including Irwin Jacobs, Andrew Viterbi, and others. The company's name, "Qualcomm," stands for "Quality Communications."

1985: Hughes Aircraft Contract and First CDMA Patent

In mid-1985, Qualcomm secured a contract with Hughes Aircraft to conduct research and testing for a satellite network proposal to be submitted to the FCC. The following year, Qualcomm filed its first patent for CDMA (patent No. 4,901,307). This patent laid the foundation for Qualcomm's overall approach to CDMA and became one of the most frequently cited technical documents in history.

1985: Qualcomm Founded

Qualcomm was founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and six other co-founders.

1986: Start of Growth Fueled by Omnitracs

Qualcomm had eight employees in 1986.

1988: FCC Scraps Satellite Network Project

In 1988, the FCC scrapped the satellite network project and requested all twelve vendors, including Qualcomm, who had submitted proposals to collaborate and create a single, unified proposal.

1988: Qualcomm Merges with Omninet

Qualcomm merged with Omninet in 1988 and raised $3.5 million to develop the Omnitracs satellite communication system for the trucking industry. In the same year, the FCC scrapped a satellite network project and asked all twelve vendors, including Qualcomm, to collaborate on a single proposal.

1989: Qualcomm Submits CDMA to CTIA

In 1989, Qualcomm submitted its CDMA technology to the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA) as a potential standard for second-generation cellular networks. However, CTIA rejected Qualcomm's proposal in favor of the established TDMA standard.

1989: Qualcomm Conducts CDMA Test Demonstrations

Qualcomm conducted test demonstrations of its CDMA technology in San Diego in 1989, aiming to showcase its capabilities and address concerns raised by the industry. These demonstrations were crucial in garnering interest and support for CDMA.

1989: Qualcomm Files Patents to Address CDMA Challenges

To address the limitations of CDMA technology, Qualcomm filed three patents in 1989. These patents aimed to overcome the near-far field effect, enable smooth handoffs between cell towers, and optimize bandwidth usage during calls.

1989: Omnitracs Drives Revenue

Qualcomm generated $32 million in revenue in 1989, with 50% coming from an Omnitracs contract with Schneider National. The profits from Omnitracs were instrumental in funding Qualcomm's research and development of CDMA technology for cell phone networks.

1990: First Carriers Implement CDMA Networks

Nynex Mobile Communications and Ameritech Mobile Communications became the first carriers to deploy CDMA networks in 1990, choosing Qualcomm's technology over the established TDMA standard. This marked a significant milestone in the adoption of CDMA.

September 1991: Qualcomm Goes Public

Qualcomm went public in September 1991, raising $68 million through an initial public offering (IPO) to fund its CDMA research.

November 1991: Large-Scale CDMA Field Tests Conducted

In November 1991, fourteen carriers and manufacturers participated in large-scale field tests of Qualcomm's CDMA technology. These tests aimed to demonstrate the viability of CDMA for commercial deployment and influenced CTIA's decision to reconsider CDMA.

1991: Significant Growth Due to Omnitracs Demand

By 1991, Qualcomm's workforce grew to 620 employees, driven by the demand for their Omnitracs system.

1991: Qualcomm Acquires Eudora Email Application

In 1991, Qualcomm made a strategic acquisition by acquiring Eudora, an email application. This acquisition marked Qualcomm's entry into the software market, expanding its portfolio beyond its core wireless technologies.

1991: Qualcomm and ETRI Partner on CDMA Development

In 1991, Qualcomm partnered with South Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) to jointly develop CDMA technologies for the Korean telecommunications infrastructure. This partnership aimed to leverage Qualcomm's expertise in CDMA.

May 1993: CDMA Adopted as National Wireless Standard in Korea

In May 1993, South Korea adopted CDMA as its national wireless standard, further solidifying Qualcomm's technology as a global standard. This decision led to the launch of commercial CDMA networks in South Korea in 1996.

May 1993: Qualcomm Expands into Manufacturing

In May 1993, Qualcomm took on its first large-scale manufacturing project by securing a deal to supply US West with 36,000 CDMA phones. This move marked a significant expansion of Qualcomm's operations into the manufacturing sector.

1993: CTIA Adopts Qualcomm's CDMA as IS-95A Standard

In 1993, CTIA reversed its previous decision and adopted Qualcomm's CDMA technology as the IS-95A standard, also known as cdmaOne. This decision sparked controversy and criticism from companies invested in the competing TDMA standard.

1994: Qualcomm Partners with Northern Telecom and Sony

To address manufacturing challenges and leverage external expertise, Qualcomm formed strategic partnerships with Northern Telecom and Sony in 1994. These partnerships aimed to improve Qualcomm's manufacturing capabilities and expand its market reach.

July 21, 1995: Primeco Announces CDMA-Based Services

On July 21, 1995, Primeco, a joint venture involving major telecommunications companies, announced its plan to implement CDMA-based services in 15 states. This marked a significant step towards the widespread adoption of CDMA in the US.

1995: Second Funding Round for CDMA Manufacturing

In 1995, Qualcomm raised an additional $486 million by selling 11.5 million shares to finance the mass production of CDMA-based phones, base stations, and equipment after major US cellular networks decided to adopt the CDMA standard. The company's annual revenue reached $383 million that year.

1996: Patent Dispute Arises Between Qualcomm and Ericsson

A patent dispute arose between Qualcomm and Ericsson in 1996, centered around CDMA technology. This dispute escalated and eventually led to Qualcomm selling its infrastructure division to Ericsson as part of an out-of-court settlement in 1999.

1996: Eudora Achieves Widespread Adoption on PCs

By 1996, Eudora, the email application acquired by Qualcomm, achieved significant market penetration, with installations on 63 percent of PCs. This success highlighted the application's popularity and user-friendly interface.

1996: Commercial CDMA Networks Launched in Various Countries

Following South Korea's adoption, several other countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Venezuela, launched commercial CDMA networks in 1996, expanding the global reach of Qualcomm's technology.

1996: Revenue Growth Driven by CDMA Adoption

Qualcomm's revenue surged to $814 million in 1996 as the adoption of the CDMA standard gained momentum.

March 1997: Motorola Sues Qualcomm for Design Infringement

In March 1997, Motorola filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm, alleging that Qualcomm's Q phone infringed upon the design of Motorola's Startac phone. This lawsuit, later settled out of court in 2000, highlighted the competitive landscape of the mobile phone industry.

1997: CDMA Captures Majority Share of US Market

By 1997, CDMA technology gained significant traction in the US, capturing a 57% market share, while the competing TDMA standard held only 14%. This demonstrated the rapid adoption and success of CDMA in the US cellular market.

1998: Qualcomm Consolidates Telecom Carrier Interests into Leap Wireless

In 1998, Qualcomm consolidated its interests in various telecommunications carriers, including Cricket Communications and Pegaso, into a holding company named Leap Wireless.

1998: ETSI Supports WCDMA Standard, Challenging Qualcomm's Dominance

In 1998, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) decided to support the WCDMA standard, a competing 3G technology that reduced reliance on Qualcomm's CDMA patents. This decision aimed to challenge Qualcomm's dominance in the 3G market.

1998: Qualcomm Restructures and Experiences Growth

Qualcomm underwent a restructuring in 1998, resulting in a layoff of 700 employees. It spun off its base station and cell phone manufacturing businesses to concentrate on its more profitable patents and chipset businesses. This strategic move led to soaring profits the following year, making Qualcomm the fastest-growing stock on the market with a remarkable 2,621% growth in just one year.

December 1999: Qualcomm Divests Manufacturing and Infrastructure Divisions

In December 1999, Qualcomm sold its manufacturing business to Kyocera Corporation, a Japanese CDMA manufacturer. Additionally, Qualcomm's infrastructure division was sold to Ericsson as part of an agreement to resolve a patent dispute that began in 1996.

1999: Qualcomm and Ericsson Reach Agreement on 3G Standards

Qualcomm and Ericsson reached a crucial agreement in 1999, just one month before the deadline set by the ITU. The agreement involved cross-licensing their 3G technologies and collaborating on future 3G standards, thus resolving the patent dispute.

2000: Qualcomm Forms Wingcast Joint Venture with Ford

In 2000, Qualcomm ventured into the automotive industry by forming a joint venture with Ford called Wingcast. The collaboration aimed to develop telematics equipment for cars, but it ultimately proved unsuccessful and was shut down two years later.

2000: Qualcomm Refuses to License IP for WCDMA Standard

Qualcomm refused to license its intellectual property for the WCDMA standard, leading to further tensions with European telecom companies and prompting the ITU to threaten excluding Qualcomm's CDMA technology from 3G standards.

2000: Qualcomm's Global Expansion and Financial Success

By 2000, Qualcomm had expanded its workforce to 6,300 employees, achieving $3.2 billion in revenue and $670 million in profit. CDMA technology accounted for 39% of its sales, followed by licensing (22%), wireless (22%), and other products (17%). During this period, Qualcomm established offices in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America to further its global presence.

2000: Qualcomm Settles Lawsuit with Motorola

In 2000, Qualcomm reached an out-of-court settlement with Motorola, resolving the design infringement lawsuit filed in 1997. The terms of the settlement were not publicly disclosed, but the resolution allowed both companies to move forward.

2000: Qualcomm Enters Chinese Market

In 2000, Qualcomm formed a strategic partnership with China Unicom, marking its entry into the rapidly growing Chinese telecommunications market. This partnership aimed to leverage China Unicom's subscriber base and Qualcomm's CDMA technology.

November 2001: Qualcomm Launches Brew Smartphone App Development Service

In November 2001, Qualcomm unveiled Brew, an innovative smartphone app development service featuring APIs that provided access to contacts, billing, app stores, and multimedia functions on mobile phones. This marked Qualcomm's foray into the rapidly growing mobile application development space.

2001: International Revenue Dominates

By 2001, a significant portion of Qualcomm's revenue, 65%, originated from outside the United States. Notably, 35% of its revenue came from South Korea, highlighting its international success.

March 2002: Verizon Adopts Brew for "Get it Now" Program

Following its launch, Brew gained traction in the market when Verizon, a leading US carrier, adopted the platform for its "Get it Now" program in March 2002. This partnership significantly expanded Brew's reach and user base.

2003: Brew User Base Grows Rapidly

Brew witnessed remarkable growth in its user base, reaching 73 million users in 2003, a significant increase from 2.5 million users in the previous year. This rapid adoption underscored the platform's popularity and the increasing demand for mobile applications.

2003: Eudora Remains Popular Alternative to Microsoft Outlook

Despite facing stiff competition from Microsoft Outlook, which came bundled with Windows operating systems, Qualcomm's Eudora maintained its position as the most popular alternative email client in 2003. However, its market share had dwindled to five percent.

2003: First CDMA-Based Network Launches in China

In 2003, China Unicom launched the first CDMA-based network in China, utilizing Qualcomm's technology and paving the way for the widespread adoption of CDMA in the country.

2004: CDMA 3G Reaches 240 Million Subscribers

By 2004, CDMA 3G technology experienced significant growth, reaching 240 million subscribers worldwide, demonstrating its popularity and widespread adoption in the telecommunications industry.

2004: Qualcomm Acquires Iridigm Display Technology

In 2004, Qualcomm acquired Iridigm, a company specializing in reflective display technology, for $170 million. This acquisition paved the way for Qualcomm's entry into the display market.

2004: Qualcomm Creates MediaFLO Subsidiary for Multimedia Broadcasting

In 2004, Qualcomm established MediaFLO, a subsidiary dedicated to commercializing its FLO (forward link only) specification for multimedia broadcasting. This initiative aimed to leverage existing cellular networks to deliver multimedia content to mobile phones efficiently.

2004: Qualcomm Establishes VLSI Technology Organization Division

In 2004, Qualcomm took a significant step towards a fabless manufacturing model by establishing its VLSI Technology Organization division. This strategic move aimed to bring more manufacturing design in-house, enhancing Qualcomm's control over its semiconductor production process.

July 2005: Qualcomm Establishes FLO Forum Standards Group

In July 2005, Qualcomm spearheaded the formation of the FLO Forum standards group, bringing together 15 industry participants to promote and develop the FLO (forward link only) specification. This collaborative effort aimed to establish FLO as a standard for multimedia broadcasting.

October 2005: Nokia and five other companies file antitrust complaint against Qualcomm

October 2005 saw six major telecommunications companies, with Nokia in the lead, filing an antitrust complaint against Qualcomm with the European Commission. They alleged Qualcomm was exploiting its market dominance to levy unreasonable charges for its patents.

November 2005: Qualcomm Unveils Scorpion CPU for Mobile Devices

Marking a significant step in its semiconductor endeavors, Qualcomm announced the development of the Scorpion central processing unit (CPU) specifically designed for mobile devices in November 2005. This marked the company's foray into designing and producing its own CPUs, a critical component of mobile devices.

December 2005: Verizon Partners with MediaFLO for V Cast TV

Verizon Wireless became the first carrier to collaborate with MediaFLO in December 2005, launching the Verizon Wireless' V Cast TV service. This partnership marked a significant step in bringing mobile television to consumers.

2005: Broadcom sues Qualcomm over patent infringement and licensing disputes

In 2005, a legal battle erupted between Broadcom and Qualcomm over patent infringement and licensing issues. Broadcom alleged Qualcomm breached ten of its patents and sought to prohibit imports of the affected technology.

2005: Qualcomm Settles Legal Dispute Over Employee Stock Options

Qualcomm faced a legal dispute concerning employee stock options, stemming from the sale of its infrastructure division in 1999. The company reached a settlement in 2005, paying $74 million to resolve the dispute.

2005: New CEO and Acquisition of Flarion Technologies

Paul E. Jacobs, son of Qualcomm founder Irwin Jacobs, took over as CEO in 2005. Shifting focus from CDMA patents, Paul Jacobs directed Qualcomm's research and development towards the Internet of Things. In the same year, Qualcomm acquired Flarion Technologies, a company known for developing wireless broadband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex Access (OFDMA) technology.

2005: Qualcomm Halts UMB Development, Embraces LTE

In 2005, Qualcomm made the pivotal decision to halt the development of its CDMA-based Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) standard for fourth-generation wireless networks, opting instead to support the LTE (long-term evolution) standard. This strategic shift came after recognizing LTE's superiority in narrow bandwidths and its backward compatibility with existing CDMA networks.

2005: Qualcomm Expands into Russian and Latin American Markets

In 2005, Qualcomm expanded its presence into the Russian and Latin American markets, securing licensing agreements with local carriers and further solidifying its global dominance in the CDMA market.

2005: 143 Carriers in 67 Countries Adopt CDMA 3G

In 2005, 143 carriers across 67 countries had adopted CDMA 3G, further solidifying its position as a leading 3G standard. This widespread adoption highlighted the global reach and success of Qualcomm's CDMA technology.

September 2006: Court rules Qualcomm's patent practices lawful

In September 2006, a New Jersey court ruled that Qualcomm's patent monopoly was a natural outcome of setting industry standards and that its pricing practices were within the law.

December 2006: Korean Fair Trade Commission investigates Qualcomm's practices

In December 2006, fueled by antitrust complaints from several companies, the Korean Fair Trade Commission launched an investigation into Qualcomm's business practices.

2006: Qualcomm Retires Eudora Software Development

After years of competing in the email client market, Qualcomm made the decision to retire software development for Eudora in 2006. This move marked the end of an era for the once-popular email application.

2006: Qualcomm Forms DFX Group for In-House Manufacturing Design

Further solidifying its commitment to in-house manufacturing design, Qualcomm established the DFX group in 2006. This move aimed to enhance the company's capabilities in designing for manufacturing (DFM), a crucial aspect of semiconductor production.

2006: Qualcomm and Broadcom engage in a series of lawsuits and countersuits

The legal battle between Qualcomm and Broadcom escalated in 2006, with over 20 lawsuits filed between the two companies. Each side accused the other of patent infringement and claimed they were winning the legal battle.

April 2007: Licensing agreement between Qualcomm and Nokia ends

The dispute between Qualcomm and Nokia escalated in April 2007 when their licensing agreement came to an end.

May 2007: Qualcomm ordered to pay Broadcom $19.6 million for patent infringement

A jury ruled in favor of Broadcom in May 2007, ordering Qualcomm to pay $19.6 million for infringing on three of Broadcom's patents.

June 2007: ITC rules against Qualcomm, bans imports related to patent infringement

In June 2007, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Qualcomm had infringed on at least one Broadcom patent, leading to a ban on corresponding imports.

November 2007: First Snapdragon System-on-Chip Hits the Market

Qualcomm achieved a major milestone in November 2007 with the first shipments of its groundbreaking Snapdragon system-on-chip (SoC). Integrating a CPU, GPS, graphics processing unit, camera support, and other essential software and semiconductors, the Snapdragon SoC revolutionized the mobile industry.

2007: MediaFLO Service Launches on Super Bowl Sunday

The MediaFLO service made its highly anticipated debut on Super Bowl Sunday in 2007, aiming to capitalize on the massive viewership of the sporting event. This launch marked a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile television.

2007: Korean Manufacturers Contribute Significantly to Qualcomm's Revenue

By 2007, Korean manufacturers, including companies like Samsung and LG, became major customers of Qualcomm's semiconductor products, contributing over $500 million to Qualcomm's annual revenues.

2007: Qualcomm Commercializes Mirasol Displays

Building on the technology acquired from Iridigm, Qualcomm began commercializing Mirasol displays in 2007. These innovative displays utilized natural light instead of backlights, significantly reducing power consumption.

2007: Qualcomm's Technology in Over 105 Countries

By 2007, Qualcomm's CDMA technology had been implemented in cellular networks in over 105 countries, demonstrating its widespread adoption and the company's success in licensing its intellectual property globally.

February 2008: Qualcomm and Nokia agree to halt new litigation

In February 2008, Qualcomm and Nokia agreed to put a hold on filing new lawsuits until an initial ruling was issued in the first lawsuit taking place in Delaware.

July 2008: Qualcomm and Nokia reach settlement, sign 15-year cross-licensing agreement

July 2008 marked the end of the legal battle between Qualcomm and Nokia as they reached an out-of-court settlement. This agreement included a 15-year cross-licensing deal.

2008: Qualcomm Launches Gobi Family of Modems for Portable Devices

Expanding its product portfolio in the realm of connectivity, Qualcomm introduced the Gobi family of modems in 2008, designed specifically for portable devices. These modems quickly gained traction, becoming embedded in numerous laptop brands, further solidifying Qualcomm's presence in the mobile computing market.

2008: Qualcomm Expands Mirasol Product Lineup

Qualcomm expanded its Mirasol display offerings in 2008, introducing eight new products featuring the power-efficient technology. This move demonstrated the company's commitment to developing and commercializing Mirasol displays.

April 2009: Qualcomm and Broadcom settle patent litigation, sign cross-licensing agreement

After years of litigation, Qualcomm and Broadcom reached a settlement in April 2009. The agreement included a cross-licensing deal, dismissal of all lawsuits, and a $891 million payment from Qualcomm over four years.

2010: Qualcomm Secures Spectrum Licenses in Indian Auction

Qualcomm made significant inroads into the Indian market in 2010 by winning a government auction for spectrum and licenses, enabling it to offer broadband services in the country. This strategic move involved an investment of $1 billion and the formation of four joint ventures with Indian holding companies.

June 2011: Qualcomm Introduces AllJoyn Wireless Standard

In June 2011, Qualcomm unveiled AllJoyn, a wireless standard designed to enable seamless communication between various devices, including cell phones, televisions, air conditioners, and refrigerators. This initiative aimed to promote interoperability and connectivity among different devices.

July 2011: ParkerVision sues Qualcomm for patent infringement

ParkerVision filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm in July 2011, alleging infringement on seven of its patents related to converting radio signals. While a jury initially awarded ParkerVision $173 million, a judge later overturned the verdict.

November 2011: Qualcomm Acquires HaloIPT Wireless Electric Car Charging Company

In November 2011, Qualcomm acquired HaloIPT, a company specializing in wireless electric car charging technology. This acquisition highlighted Qualcomm's interest in exploring new markets and technologies beyond its core businesses.

December 2011: Qualcomm Establishes Qualcomm Life Subsidiary

Expanding its reach into the healthcare sector, Qualcomm established Qualcomm Life as a subsidiary in December 2011. This strategic move aimed to leverage Qualcomm's wireless expertise in the healthcare industry.

2011: Qualcomm Discontinues MediaFLO Service

Despite initial interest from carriers, the MediaFLO service faced challenges in gaining widespread consumer adoption. The requirement for subscriptions and specialized hardware limited its appeal. Consequently, Qualcomm decided to discontinue the service in 2011.

May 2012: Bharti Acquires Stake in Qualcomm's Indian Joint Ventures

In May 2012, Bharti, a leading Indian telecommunications company, acquired a 49 percent stake in the holding companies established by Qualcomm for its broadband services in India. This strategic move marked a significant development in the Indian telecommunications sector.

October 2012: AT&T Acquires Remaining Stake in Qualcomm's Indian Joint Ventures

Following Bharti's acquisition of a 49 percent stake in May 2012, AT&T acquired the remaining stake in Qualcomm's Indian holding companies in October 2012. This move solidified AT&T's presence in the burgeoning Indian telecommunications market.

2012: Qualcomm Solidifies LTE Patent Portfolio

By 2012, Qualcomm had amassed a substantial portfolio of patents related to the LTE standard, holding 81 seminal patents, representing 12.46 percent of the total. This strategic acquisition of LTE-related patents through acquisitions further solidified Qualcomm's position in the evolving landscape of 4G technology.

January 2013: Qualcomm adopts political contribution disclosure policy

Following a January 2013 lawsuit, Qualcomm voluntarily implemented a policy to disclose its political contributions, a move praised by transparency advocates, according to The New York Times.

August 2013: Chinese regulators raid Qualcomm's offices

In August 2013, Chinese regulators raided Qualcomm's offices in China as part of the antitrust investigation into the company's licensing division.

November 2013: China launches antitrust investigation into Qualcomm's licensing practices

Qualcomm faced scrutiny in China when the National Development and Reform Commission initiated an antitrust investigation into its licensing practices in November 2013.

December 2013: Qualcomm Donates AllJoyn to Linux Foundation

In a strategic move to foster wider adoption of AllJoyn, Qualcomm donated the technology to the Linux Foundation in December 2013. This move aimed to encourage open-source development and promote interoperability in the Internet of Things (IoT) space.

December 2013: Steven Mollenkopf Appointed as CEO

Qualcomm announced in December 2013 that Steven Mollenkopf would succeed Paul Jacobs as CEO. Mollenkopf's vision for Qualcomm involved expanding the company's focus beyond traditional mobile technology to encompass wireless technology for cars, wearable devices, and emerging markets.

2013: Qualcomm Introduces LTE Broadcast

Undeterred by the challenges faced by MediaFLO, Qualcomm re-entered the multimedia broadcasting arena in 2013 with LTE Broadcast. This technology utilized existing LTE networks to broadcast content locally on dedicated spectrums, particularly during major events.

2013: Qualcomm Attempts to Revive Mirasol with Toq Watches

In 2013, Qualcomm made an attempt to revitalize its Mirasol display technology by incorporating it into Toq smartwatches. However, this effort ultimately proved unsuccessful, and Mirasol displays were eventually discontinued.

2014: AT&T Acquires Leap Wireless

Leap Wireless, the holding company established by Qualcomm in 1998, was acquired by AT&T in 2014, marking a significant consolidation in the telecommunications industry.

2015: Qualcomm settles Chinese antitrust investigation for $975 million

Qualcomm settled the antitrust dispute with Chinese regulators in 2015 by paying a $975 million fine.

October 2016: Qualcomm Announces Intent to Acquire NXP Semiconductors

In October 2016, Qualcomm made a significant announcement regarding its intention to acquire NXP Semiconductors for a staggering $47 billion.

October 2016: Qualcomm Announces First 5G Modem Chip

In October 2016, Qualcomm reached a significant milestone by announcing its first 5G modem chip, showcasing its commitment to pioneering next-generation wireless technology. This announcement marked a crucial step towards making 5G a reality.

2016: Korea Fair Trade Commission alleges Qualcomm abused market dominance

In 2016, the Korea Fair Trade Commission accused Qualcomm of leveraging its dominant market position to impose unfair royalty fees on cell phone makers for patents and to stifle competition by limiting sales to companies offering rival semiconductor products.

2016: Qualcomm Develops First Server Processor Chip Prototype

Qualcomm took its first steps into the server market in 2016 by developing its inaugural beta processor chip designed specifically for servers and PCs, dubbed the "Server Development Platform." This marked the company's initial foray into a new market segment.

January 2017: FTC investigates Qualcomm's royalty practices, Apple sues for $1 billion

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opened an investigation in January 2017 into allegations that Qualcomm was charging exorbitant royalties for patents crucial to industry standards. In the same year, Apple filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Qualcomm in the U.S., claiming the chipmaker overcharged for semiconductors and failed to honor $1 billion in rebates. Apple also initiated legal action against Qualcomm in China and the United Kingdom.

January 2017: Qualcomm Releases Centriq 2400 Server Chip

In January 2017, Qualcomm made a significant move by releasing the Centriq 2400, a second-generation data center and PC server chip. This marked Qualcomm's entry into the server market, a significant departure from its traditional focus on mobile devices.

April 2017: Qualcomm settles with BlackBerry for $814.9 million

In April 2017, Qualcomm and BlackBerry reached a settlement, with Qualcomm refunding $814.9 million in prepaid licensing fees to BlackBerry.

April 2017: U.S. Approves NXP Acquisition with Conditions

In April 2017, the deal received approval from U.S. antitrust regulators, albeit with certain conditions. To address antitrust concerns, Qualcomm had to exclude some standard-essential patents from the acquisition.

August 2017: ITC investigates Apple's use of Qualcomm patents

In response to complaints from Qualcomm, the International Trade Commission (ITC) opened an investigation in August 2017 into Apple's use of Qualcomm patents without paying royalties.

October 2017: Taiwan fines Qualcomm $773 million for antitrust violations

Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission followed suit in October 2017, slapping Qualcomm with a $773 million fine for antitrust violations.

October 2017: Qualcomm Demonstrates 5G Prototype

A year after announcing its first 5G modem chip, Qualcomm showcased a working prototype in October 2017, demonstrating the tangible progress made in developing 5G technology. This demonstration highlighted the company's capabilities in bringing 5G from concept to reality.

October 2017: Qualcomm sues Apple in China for patent infringement

Qualcomm filed a lawsuit against Apple in China in October 2017, alleging patent infringement.

2017: FTC files antitrust lawsuit against Qualcomm

In 2017, stemming from the Apple lawsuit investigations, the FTC sued Qualcomm for alleged antitrust violations related to its wireless technology monopoly, including accusations of excessive royalty fees and anti-competitive licensing practices.

2017: Qualcomm holds over 130,000 patents

By 2017, Qualcomm's patent portfolio grew significantly, holding over 130,000 current or pending patents, a testament to its investments in CDMA research and development.

January 2018: European Commission fines Qualcomm $1.2 billion for antitrust violation

The European Commission imposed a $1.2 billion fine on Qualcomm in January 2018, citing an arrangement that required Apple to exclusively use Qualcomm chips in its mobile devices as an antitrust violation. Qualcomm appealed the decision.

July 2018: Qualcomm Unveils 5G Antennas

Continuing its push in the 5G domain, Qualcomm announced its first 5G antennas in July 2018. These antennas were crucial components for enabling the high-frequency communication required for 5G networks.

July 2018: Qualcomm Abandons NXP Acquisition Amidst Trade War

Qualcomm's attempted acquisition of NXP became entangled in the U.S.-China trade war in 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump's actions, including blocking ZTE Corporation from purchasing U.S. components and imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, significantly impacted the deal. Qualcomm, after extending its tender offer to NXP multiple times while awaiting Chinese approval, ultimately decided to abandon the acquisition in July 2018.

December 2018: Chinese and German courts rule Apple infringed on Qualcomm patents, ban some iPhone sales

December 2018 saw courts in both China and Germany rule that Apple had infringed on Qualcomm patents, resulting in a ban on the sale of specific iPhone models in those regions. The rulings upheld some of Qualcomm's patents while invalidating others.

2018: Qualcomm settles with Taiwan, pays $93 million and commits $700 million investment

In 2018, Qualcomm settled its dispute with Taiwan, agreeing to pay a reduced fine of $93 million and invest $700 million in the Taiwanese economy.

January 2019: FTC antitrust trial against Qualcomm begins

In January 2019, the trial for the FTC's antitrust lawsuit against Qualcomm, alleging monopolistic practices in wireless technology, commenced in the federal Northern District Court.

February 2019: Qualcomm Sells HaloIPT to WiTricity

After several years of ownership, Qualcomm decided to sell HaloIPT, its wireless electric car charging subsidiary, to WiTricity in February 2019. This move allowed Qualcomm to focus on its core businesses and strategic priorities.

April 2019: Apple and Qualcomm settle litigation, sign six-year licensing agreement

Apple and Qualcomm reached a settlement in April 2019, agreeing to drop all litigation and enter into a six-year licensing agreement. Apple made a one-time payment of approximately $4.5 billion to $4.7 billion as part of the settlement. Specific terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

May 2019: Judge rules against Qualcomm in FTC antitrust case

In May 2019, Judge Lucy Koh ruled against Qualcomm in the FTC antitrust case, finding Qualcomm's practices, including "no license, no chips," violated antitrust law. Qualcomm was ordered to cease these practices and license patents to other manufacturers.

2019: Qualcomm Sells Qualcomm Life to Francisco Partners

After several years of operation, Qualcomm decided to divest its Qualcomm Life subsidiary, selling it to Francisco Partners, a private equity firm, in 2019. This move marked Qualcomm's exit from the healthcare technology space.

2019: Qualcomm's 5G Technology Integrated into Commercial Phones

By late 2019, Qualcomm's efforts in developing 5G technology culminated in its integration into commercially available phones. This marked a significant achievement, as consumers could now experience the benefits of 5G connectivity firsthand.

2019: Qualcomm ranked 4th in patent applications

In 2019, the WIPO ranked Qualcomm 4th in the world for the number of patent applications published under the PCT System.

2019: NUVIA Founded

NUVIA, a server CPU startup, was founded in 2019 by former Apple and Google architects.

August 2020: Ninth Circuit reverses FTC ruling against Qualcomm

In August 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the lower court's decision against Qualcomm, stating that its patent licensing practices fell outside antitrust law's scope and were more related to contract and patent law.

2020: Qualcomm published 2,173 patent applications

In 2020, Qualcomm had 2,173 patent applications published under the PCT System, according to the WIPO.

2020: Qualcomm Hires Baidu Veteran Nan Zhou to Lead AI Efforts

In 2020, Qualcomm made a strategic hire by bringing on board Nan Zhou, a seasoned veteran from Baidu, to spearhead the company's push into the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This move signaled Qualcomm's ambition to become a major player in the AI landscape.

January 6, 2021: Cristiano Amon Becomes CEO

On January 6, 2021, Qualcomm appointed Cristiano Amon, the company's president and head of the chip division, as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

January 13, 2021: Qualcomm to Acquire NUVIA

Qualcomm announced its plan to acquire NUVIA, a server CPU startup, for $1.4 billion on January 13, 2021.

March 2021: NUVIA Acquisition Complete, Laptop CPUs Planned

The acquisition of NUVIA was finalized in March 2021. Following the acquisition, Qualcomm revealed its intention to develop laptop CPUs based on NUVIA's technology, with plans to ship these CPUs in the latter half of 2022.

2021: WIPO ranks Qualcomm 5th in patent applications

In 2021, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ranked Qualcomm 5th in the world for the number of patent applications published under the PCT System.

March 2022: Qualcomm Acquires Arriver

In March 2022, Qualcomm expanded its automotive technology portfolio by acquiring Arriver, a prominent brand specializing in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving software. The acquisition was made from the investment company SSW Partners.

June 2022: Qualcomm Acquires Cellwize

Qualcomm, through its investment arm Qualcomm Ventures, acquired the Israeli startup Cellwize in June 2022, further strengthening its position in the telecommunications industry.

June 2022: Qualcomm wins appeal against EU antitrust fine

In June 2022, Qualcomm successfully overturned the $1.2 billion fine imposed by the European Union for antitrust violations. The successful appeal hinged on the argument that Apple had no viable technical alternatives to using Qualcomm's LTE chipsets.

August 2022: Qualcomm's Server CPU Plans and Legal Dispute with Arm

Bloomberg News reported in August 2022 that Qualcomm intended to re-enter the server CPU market leveraging NUVIA's technology. However, later that month, Arm Ltd. filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm and NUVIA, alleging breach of license agreements and trademark infringements. Arm claimed that NUVIA's chip designs, developed under Arm licenses, could not be transferred to Qualcomm without permission. In response, Qualcomm asserted that its existing licenses with Arm covered custom-designed processors, suggesting a legal battle over intellectual property rights.

2022: NUVIA-Based Laptop CPUs Expected

Qualcomm plans to ship NUVIA-based laptop CPUs in the second half of 2022.

January 2023: Qualcomm and Salesforce Partner on Connected Vehicle Platform

In January 2023, Qualcomm announced a new partnership with Salesforce to develop a connected vehicle platform for automakers. This platform would utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon digital chassis, combining their expertise in automotive and cloud technologies.

May 2023: Qualcomm Announces Intent to Acquire Autotalks

In May 2023, Qualcomm revealed its plan to acquire Autotalks, an Israeli fabless chipmaking company, for an estimated $350–400 million. The deal was contingent on approval from the Competition and Markets Authority.

September 2023: Qualcomm Secures Manchester United Sponsorship Deal

In September 2023, Qualcomm secured a significant sponsorship agreement with English football club Manchester United, rumored to be worth $75 million annually. Starting in the 2024-25 season, Qualcomm's Snapdragon brand will be featured as the primary shirt sponsor, replacing TeamViewer.

October 2023: Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon X Series for Windows PCs

In October 2023, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X series, a computing platform designed for Windows PCs. This platform features a custom ARM-based Oryon CPU, a GPU, and a dedicated neural processing unit, marking Qualcomm's entry into the PC market.

2023: Qualcomm loses appeal in Korean Supreme Court, fined $854 million

Qualcomm's appeal against the $854 million fine imposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the fine being enforced in 2023.

March 2024: Qualcomm's Acquisition of Autotalks Terminated

The Federal Trade Commission announced in March 2024 that Qualcomm's proposed acquisition of Autotalks had been terminated.

2024: Qualcomm's Manchester United Sponsorship Commences

Qualcomm's Snapdragon brand will be the primary shirt sponsor for Manchester United, starting with the 2024-25 season.

History of Qualcomm in Timeline