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Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) fined Qualcomm last week,
saying the U.S. chipmaker had abused its monopolistic position
by opting against licensing some modem-related technologies to
other industry players.
Qualcomm said it disagreed and would take the matter to court
once the agency releases a final report in coming weeks.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, which oversees industrial
policy, said it respected the agency's position but was
concerned about any impact on foreign investment.
"With regards to the investigation and judgment process... our
ministry is deeply concerned," the ministry said in a statement
posted on its website late on Tuesday.
"Considering economic stability and prosperity, as well as that
the economics ministry is the government authority overseeing
industry, the ministry would like to see better coordination
between industrial development and fair trading."
The ministry said the agency did not appear to take into account
Qualcomm's contribution to the overall local technology industry
or impact on future business opportunities, describing the U.S.
firm as an "indispensable partner".
The FTC did not have an immediate comment when contacted by
Reuters.
Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek Inc <2454.TW> supported the FTC's
action in a statement on Oct. 12, reiterating views of some
industry players that it would lead to a fairer business
environment for technological innovation.
The action is the latest challenge to Qualcomm's business model,
which involves selling chips and licensing patents related to
installation and use.
In December, South Korean regulators fined Qualcomm $854 million
for violating competition law. That followed a $975 million fine
from Chinese regulators in 2015.
(Reporting by Jess Macy Yu; Editing by Miyoung Kim and
Christopher Cushing)
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