Qualcomm facing EU anti-competition probe

Qualcomm has again been accused of anti-competitive practices

Chip manufacturer Qualcomm has been reported to the European Commission by UK firm Icera over alleged anti-competitive practices.

Qualcomm confirmed that the complaint had been lodged, and said it is reviewing the allegations. The firm stated that it will be found innocent of any wrongdoing.

"We do note, however, the similarity between Icera's allegations and those in complaints made previously to the European Union, which apparently failed to persuade the EC and were ultimately withdrawn," Qualcomm said in a statement.

"We believe the new allegations to be equally meritless. Qualcomm will co-operate fully with the EC, as we have done in the past."

Icera is a fab-less semiconductor company that creates soft modem chipsets for mobile broadband devices, USB sticks, laptops, netbooks and smartphones.

The company was unavailable for comment when contacted.

Qualcomm saw off a legal challenge in November 2009 from Broadcom, NEC, Nokia, LM Ericsson, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Texas Instruments over pricing and royalty fees.