Qualcomm sues smartphone maker Meizu over IP

The Wall Street Journal reports Qualcomm Inc. is suing a Chinese smartphone maker backed by online-shopping giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., in the latest patent-infringement case involving technology companies. The U.S. chip maker said it has filed a complaint in a Beijing court against Meizu Technology Co. over its alleged violation of intellectual property. Qualcomm’s litigation against Meizu, in which Alibaba holds a stake, is part of the U.S. company’s attempt to protect its licensing business in the world’s largest smartphone market, where it has faced regulatory challenges in recent years including an antitrust investigation by Beijing. Since Qualcomm reached a settlement with Chinese authorities last year, it has signed patent-licensing agreements with a number of Chinese clients.