Apple announced Sept. 28 the resignation of Donald Rosenberg, who has served as the company's senior vice president, general counsel and secretary since November 2006. Rosenberg will join Qualcomm Inc. as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Replacing Rosenberg Nov. 1 is Daniel Cooperman, who has served since 1992 as Oracle's general counsel, senior vice president and secretary.

“Dan will be an excellent addition to our team and will fit right into Apple's fast paced culture,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a statement.

Rosenberg, who previously spent 20 years with IBM, filled Apple's general counsel position following a six-month vacancy after former general counsel Nancy Heinen resigned in May amid SEC accusations of stock options backdating.

At Qualcomm Rosenberg will step into another legal battle as the company defends its patent portfolio. Most recently the International Trade Commission issued an injunction after finding Qualcomm infringed on Broadcom's patents. Former Qualcomm general counsel Lou Lupin left the company in August.

“After an extensive nationwide search, we are very pleased to welcome Don to Qualcomm's executive team,” said Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs in a statement. “Don is a talented lawyer who will immediately provide valuable insights to our executive and legal teams as he manages and directs the company's complex worldwide litigation.”