Qualcomm 2011 Annual Report Download - page 16

(www.qualcomm.com).
In all cases, we have licensed or otherwise provided rights to use our patented technologies to interested companies on terms that are fair,
reasonable and free from unfair discrimination. Unlike some other companies in our industry that hold back certain key technologies, we offer
interested companies essentially our entire patent portfolio for use in cellular subscriber devices and cell site infrastructure equipment. Our
strategy to make our patented technologies broadly available has been a catalyst for industry growth, helping to enable a wide range of
companies offering a broad array of wireless products and features while driving down average and low-end selling prices for 3G handsets and
other wireless devices. By licensing or otherwise providing rights to a wide range of equipment manufacturers, encouraging innovative
applications, supporting equipment manufacturers with integrated chipset and software products, and focusing on improving the efficiency of the
airlink for wireless operators, we have helped 3G CDMA evolve, grow and reduce device pricing all at a faster pace than the second generation
technologies that preceded it (e.g., GSM).
Under our subscriber, infrastructure and test equipment license agreements, licensees are generally required to pay us a fixed license fee as
well as ongoing royalties based on a percentage of the wholesale (i.e., licensee’
s) selling price, net of certain permissible deductions (e.g., certain
shipping costs, packing costs, VAT, etc.), of each licensed product and/or a fixed per unit amount. License fees are paid in one or more
installments, while royalties generally are payable based on sales throughout the life of the licensed patents. Our licensing terms are reasonable
and fair to the companies that benefit from our intellectual property and provide significant incentives for others to invest in CDMA applications,
as evidenced by the significant growth in the CDMA portion of the wireless industry and the number of CDMA participants. Our license
agreements generally provide us rights to use certain of our licensees’ technology and intellectual property rights to manufacture and sell certain
components (e.g., Application-
Specific Integrated Circuits) and related software, subscriber units and/or infrastructure equipment. In most cases,
our use of our licensees’ technology and intellectual property does not require us to pay royalties based on the sale of our products. However,
under some of the licenses, if we incorporate certain of the licensed technology or intellectual property into certain products, we are obligated to
pay royalties on the sale of such products.
Corporate Responsibility
At Qualcomm, we realize we have a significant role to play as we strive to better both our local and global communities through ethical
business practices, socially empowering technology applications, educational and environmental programs and employee diversity and
volunteerism.
Employees
At September 25, 2011 , we employed approximately 21,200 full-time, part-time and temporary employees. During fiscal 2011 , the number
of employees increased by approximately 3,700 primarily due to a 2,000 increase resulting from various acquisitions and a 1,700 increase in
engineering resources as a result of internal growth.
Available Information
Our Internet address is www.qualcomm.com. There we make available, free of charge, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-
K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such
material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our Internet site public financial
information for which a report is not required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our SEC reports and other financial information can be
accessed through the investor relations section of our Internet site. The information found on our Internet site is not part of this or any other
report we file with or furnish to the
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• Global Social Responsibility. We are committed to growing strategic relationships with a wide range of local organizations and
programs that develop and strengthen communities worldwide. We believe that involvement with charitable organizations is an
important way for our employees to develop as professionals and as citizens.
•
Diversity.
We foster an inclusive work environment globally and are committed to advancing opportunities for all employees and
encouraging diversity through the workforce.
•
Environmental Health and Safety.
We take a proactive approach in our injury prevention programs and techniques that contribute to a
better environment for our local communities as well as our employees.
• Corporate Sustainability. We are committed to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and sustainable best practices
to reduce our carbon footprint.
• Wireless Reach. We believe access to advanced wireless voice and data services improves people’s lives. Our Wireless Reach initiative
supports programs and solutions that bring the benefits of connectivity to underserved communities globally. By working with partners,
Wireless Reach projects create new ways for people to communicate, learn, access health care, sustain the environment and reach global
markets.