Huawei and Qualcomm sign multi-year 5G and AI patent deal

Huawei and Qualcomm have announced a multi-year, broad patent cross-licensing agreement covering several critical technology sectors, including 5G, artificial intelligence, computing, and networking. As part of the deal, Qualcomm will also purchase selected Huawei patents located in the United States.

The agreement marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two companies, as it includes Qualcomm paying for the use of Huawei’s 5G technology for the first time. Reports indicate the deal also covers patents related to Huawei’s LogicFolding chipmaking technique, a method intended to enhance semiconductor performance.

While the specific financial terms and the exact duration of the agreement have not been disclosed, Huawei estimated that the cumulative value of its patent licensing contracts could exceed $6.9 billion following the completion of this deal. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals from relevant jurisdictions.