Motorola, Qualcomm Battle Over Patent

Motorola Inc. and San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc. are suing each other over patents for digital wireless phones, the fastest-growing products in the cellular industry. Motorola claims that Qualcomm’s new Q phone infringes on patents for its popular StarTac and will file suit soon. Qualcomm said it sued Motorola this week, seeking a ruling that its palm-sized phone doesn’t violate the patents. The suits come as Motorola loses its lead in the market for digital phones, which promise better quality and increased security. Qualcomm unveiled its lightweight Q phone earlier this week, and Ericsson and Nokia Oy are coming on strong with their own sleek products. “It’s a race to the courthouse,” said Steven Glassman, partner at Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler LLP in New York. Motorola said it wants an injunction to stop Qualcomm from making the Q phone.