Qualcomm

Qualcomm Incorporated () is an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in San Diego, California. The company develops and designs technologies for global communications and computing, including next-generation mobile networks, smart devices, and semiconductors — such as mobile processors and artificial intelligence chips. The company holds essential patents for global mobile communication standards including 5G, 4G, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA and WCDMA. Founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and six other co-founders, Qualcomm's early research into code-division multiple access (CDMA) wireless technology was financed through revenue from its Omnitracs satellite communications system. CDMA was later adopted as a 2G standard in North America, incorporating Qualcomm patents. This adoption led to licensing disputes over pricing and access to essential patents. Over time, Qualcomm expanded into semiconductor products, operating largely under a fabless manufacturing model. Its Snapdragon line of processors is widely used in smartphones and other smart devices by multiple manufacturers. In recent years, Qualcomm has been expanding into areas including embedded artificial intelligence, automotive applications, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, and virtual reality, in addition to developing the Dragonwing product line, aimed at industrial and enterprise solutions with a focus on embedded AI, edge computing, and advanced connectivity. In addition to its technological activities, Qualcomm has faced legal and regulatory disputes in several countries, particularly concerning patent licensing and competition practices. The company has been involved in antitrust cases led by authorities in the United States, the European Union, and Asia, as well as litigation with manufacturers such as Apple.