LOS ANGELES, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Jury selection for a multi-billion-dollar patent trial between Qualcomm and Apple started Monday in San Diego, according to media reports.

The courtroom was packed with observers with 10 seats set aside by Judge Gonzalo Curiel for media covering the case, according to an NBC report.

Apple is accusing Qualcomm of engaging in illegal patent licensing practices, and is seeking up to 27 billion dollars in damages, CNBC reported.

Qualcomm, for its part, has argued Apple and its business partners have stopped paying royalties and is seeking up to 15 billion dollars in damages, said the report.