Qualcomm and Lenovo have entered into a 3G and 4G patent licence agreement in China in an aim to enhance their position in the local smartphone market

Qualcomm said under the agreement, the deal gives Lenovo a royalty-bearing patent licence to develop, manufacture, and sell 3G and 4G, including 3-mode, complete devices marketed by both Motorola and Lenovo. Lenovo will pay royalties to Qualcomm, which will be consistent with the rectification plan Qualcomm submitted to China's National Development and Reform Commission.

Lenovo general counsel Scott Offer said the agreement will improve the company's IP position in China.

"This agreement also provides a solid foundation for Qualcomm and Lenovo to expand and strengthen the long-term relationship between our companies, both in China and around the world," he said.

In January, Lenovo announced it partnered with Google to develop a smartphone that will use the search giant's awareness technology platform, Project Tango. While no details were provided about the handset, Lenovo revealed it will use a Qualcomm processor.

Last October, Lenovo completed the $2.91 billion acquisition of Google's Motorola Mobility unit, giving Lenovo access to smartphones including the Moto X, Moto G, Moto E and the DROIDTM series, as well as 2,000 leftover patents and a number of patent cross-licence agreements.