Mobile technology makers Qualcomm and Broadcom are engaged in a lengthy and expensive war over patents. A few weeks ago, Broadcom won a patent infringement suit against Qualcomm, and late last week, the US International Trade Commission blocked importation of phones with Qualcomm chips.

The articles only say that the infringed patents pertain to power-saving technology when signal is low. I can't easily find more detail to understand whether this patent is a really stupid one (like generically patenting a method for saving power during poor reception) or has more meat to it (like some innovative specific way to do so). But while Broadcom may be entitled to compensation for its innovation, completely blocking technology from reaching the market does not serve the public interest.

IPac believes that "Creators of ideas and inventions have the right to be compensated for their work, but not to . . . veto technological innovation." The ITC's ruling is blocking innovation. Qualcomm does the same thing; they hold and wield many patents that impede the spread of 3G technology.

The ultimate losers are consumers, who have to wait longer and pay more for new features on their phones.