* EU mulling merits of different rates or fixed rates for patents* Sources say latest EU draft favours Qualcomm's patent fee model* Carmakers, tech companies worry about curb on innovationBy Foo Yun CheeBRUSSELS, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Apple, Volkswagen , BMW and Daimler have warned EU regulators that adopting patent fee guidelines which favour Qualcomm and Ericsson could hurt consumers and hinder innovation. Sources say the latest Commission draft favours the patent fee model used by world No. It is opposed by Apple, Google and others in Silicon Valley, who favour fixed fees. Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler said the issue was of particular concern for their industry where cars increasingly resemble digital devices because of the use of wireless technologies. The non-binding guidelines could provide a basis for future EU rules.

Source: Times of India October 26, 2017 11:03 UTC