Huawei’s recent times have been, to say the least, eventful. From its Renaissancewhich is at the same time a hope for China, is being hit by the trade blockades by the US, which first left them without Google software and now prevents them from manufacturing cutting-edge processors.
How have Huawei and the Chinese semiconductor industry coped? With multi-million dollar investments. The first step of its new technological development has been completed, although that does not mean that it is a bed of roses for the Chinese manufacturer of consumer technology. In fact, a new front is now opening up with the demand which has been filed against the Taiwanese giant MediaTek.
Huawei sues MediaTek for ulterior motives in patents
Huawei has traditionally used processors from Taiwanese manufacturer MediaTek, one of the main competitors of American Qualcomm. However, the US ban also left them without MediaTek chips, dissolving A relationship who held a lot of love.
Everything is about to change, as we read in Nikkei Asia, both firms are meeting again, but not for a business relationship. Exactly the opposite: Huawei has sued MediaTek in Chinainformation that spread as a rumor and has now been confirmed by the manufacturer itself.
On the other hand, DigiTimespoints out that this demand is due to an alleged 5G technology patent infringement. Recall that Huawei has also managed to meet the demand for 5G chips thanks to its partner SMIC, one of the main Chinese semiconductor manufacturers.
This is the Huawei Pura 70, Huawei’s latest premium smartphone. For years, Kirin processors have been at the heart of these smartphones. Image by Ricardo Aguilar for Xataka
This move seeks, among other things, to boost HiSilicon, Huawei’s processor division. By competing in the same market, Huawei would be looking to raise money from royaltiesDespite Huawei’s limited position, its patents are still working as they were on the first day: a year ago, we knew that it earns $3 for each 5G-equipped mobile phone sold.
It is likely pursuing the same goal with this lawsuit, while weakening a direct rival. The source also notes that these revenues would not only be used for R&D but also for making a demonstration to the industry of power that they still harbor.
How it will end is still unknown, but what is certain is that Huawei is back on the main stage, and its patents hold a lot of value to accumulate. hundreds of millions each year. Aside from this, the Chinese firm’s plan is crystal clear: HarmonyOS Next has become independent from Android and is now a 100% domestic operating system. The next step? To extend it throughout the world to combat the Android-iOS duopoly. Huawei is back and intends to sweep everything away.
Via | Xataka
Images | Ricardo Aguilar for Xataka and MediaTek