Qualcomm Inc. announced on August 13 the resignation of Executive Vice President and General Counsel Lou Lupin. Lupin joined the company in 1995 and had served in his current position since 2000.

The departure is bookended by an ongoing patent dispute with rival phone chipmaker Broadcom Corp. Last week, a federal judge found Qualcomm waived its patent rights when it concealed them from other companies and slammed the company's “extremely foul play” and “deadly determination of … holding hostage the entire industry.” Qualcomm was also ordered to pay Broadcom's attorney fees.

In addition, the White House declined to veto an International Trade Commission ruling that could block the import of phones containing Qualcomm chips to the U.S. And on August 14, hearings for a Broadcom request for permanent injunction against three infringing Qualcomm patents will begin in district court in California–a judge on August 10 doubled Qualcomm's $19.6 million payout to Broadcom for related damages.

“We are appreciative of Lou's many valuable contributions to the company,” said Qualcomm CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs in a statement. “He has played a major role in the formation of Qualcomm's successful technology licensing program and negotiation of key licensing agreements. His counsel and direction on legal matters and intellectual property expertise and strategy has greatly benefited the company.”

Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel Carol Lam will serve as acting GC until Qualcomm makes a permanent appointment. Lam, who joined the company in February, previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.

Qualcomm Inc. announced on August 13 the resignation of Executive Vice President and General Counsel Lou Lupin. Lupin joined the company in 1995 and had served in his current position since 2000.

The departure is bookended by an ongoing patent dispute with rival phone chipmaker Broadcom Corp. Last week, a federal judge found Qualcomm waived its patent rights when it concealed them from other companies and slammed the company's “extremely foul play” and “deadly determination of … holding hostage the entire industry.” Qualcomm was also ordered to pay Broadcom's attorney fees.

In addition, the White House declined to veto an International Trade Commission ruling that could block the import of phones containing Qualcomm chips to the U.S. And on August 14, hearings for a Broadcom request for permanent injunction against three infringing Qualcomm patents will begin in district court in California–a judge on August 10 doubled Qualcomm's $19.6 million payout to Broadcom for related damages.

“We are appreciative of Lou's many valuable contributions to the company,” said Qualcomm CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs in a statement. “He has played a major role in the formation of Qualcomm's successful technology licensing program and negotiation of key licensing agreements. His counsel and direction on legal matters and intellectual property expertise and strategy has greatly benefited the company.”

Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel Carol Lam will serve as acting GC until Qualcomm makes a permanent appointment. Lam, who joined the company in February, previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.