第一财经·2026-01-26 12:10Core Viewpoint - 康希通信 has achieved a preliminary victory against Skyworks in a patent infringement case, indicating the capability of Chinese companies to compete with industry giants under international regulations [3][7][16]. Group 1: Legal Dispute Overview - 康希通信 was sued by Skyworks in May 2024 for allegedly infringing on five patents related to Wi-Fi RF front-end modules [5]. - The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that 康希通信 did not infringe on two of the patents claimed by Skyworks, leading to a significant legal advantage for 康希通信 [4][8]. - The investigation into three other patents was terminated after Skyworks withdrew them during the evidence disclosure phase [6]. Group 2: Financial Implications - 康希通信 incurred substantial legal costs, amounting to approximately 38.84 million yuan in 2024 and an additional 50.59 million yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, bringing total expenses close to 100 million yuan [10][12]. - Despite a revenue increase to 520 million yuan in 2024, 康希通信 reported a loss of 76 million yuan, primarily due to legal expenses [10]. - The ongoing legal battle is expected to exceed 100 million yuan in total costs, significantly impacting 康希通信's profitability [12]. Group 3: Market Context and Competitive Landscape - 康希通信 operates primarily in the RF front-end chip design sector, with a focus on markets in Hong Kong and Taiwan, while less than 5% of sales come from other overseas markets [8]. - The company faces competition from established players like Skyworks and Qorvo, which dominate the Wi-Fi communication market [8]. - The legal victory is seen as a potential turning point that could alleviate concerns from European and Southeast Asian clients regarding 康希通信's products [9]. Group 4: Broader Industry Trends - The semiconductor industry is witnessing an increase in patent litigation, with 康希通信 not being the only Chinese company facing such challenges [13][15]. - The competitive landscape is characterized by significant patent holdings from multinational companies, with Skyworks alone holding over 5,000 patents [15]. - Chinese semiconductor firms are ramping up R&D investments, with 康希通信 increasing its R&D spending by 70% to 107 million yuan in 2024 [15].