Qualcomm Faces U.S. Probe in Patent Dispute

Qualcomm Inc. is being investigated by the U.S. International Trade Commission over an accusation that the company illegally imported mobile phone chips at the center of a patent dispute with Broadcom Corp.

The probe stems from a May complaint by Broadcom that Qualcomm infringed patents on some products, including processors that run wireless devices, the commission said.

A decision that Qualcomm engaged in unfair trade could result in a ban on imports of the products and impede efforts by Qualcomm to add features, such as digital video and wireless earpieces, that manufacturers are racing to add to mobile phones.