Qualcomm Lawyer Quits

Qualcomm's (QCOM Quote - Cramer on QCOM - Stock Picks) top lawyer quit, a week after a federal judge issued a stinging rebuke to the company's tactics in a patent dispute with Broadcom (BRCM Quote - Cramer on BRCM - Stock Picks).

The San Diego-based wireless chip developer said Lou Lupin resigned as general counsel. He'll be replaced on an interim basis by former U.S. attorney Carol Lam while the company searches for a new general counsel.

Lupin's departure comes just a week after U.S. District Judge Rudi Brewster ruled that Qualcomm had engaged in "constant stonewalling, concealment and repeated misrepresentations" in a dispute with Broadcom over two video compression patents. He ruled that Qualcomm must pay Broadcom's attorney fees in the case.

"We are appreciative of Lou's many valuable contributions to the company," CEO Paul E. Jacobs said Monday. "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."