Ericsson Sues Apple in Europe

Ericsson has launched new lawsuits against Apple in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, bringing the licensing fight to Europe. The two tech giants are currently locked in battle in the United States, where the Swedish telecoms pioneer is demanding to block the sale of Apple’s phones and tablets over alleged patent infringement due to expiration of licensing agreements.

Ericsson explained that the company had offered to enter into arbitration with Apple in attempt to reach a global licensing agreement for its patents. However, this offer had already expired. The chief intellectual property officer for Ericsson claims that Apple continues to profit from their technology without a valid license. The Swedish tech giant explains that its technology is used in many features and functionalities of today’s phones tablets. Ericsson believes that the courts in Germany, Britain and the Netherlands will help resolve the problem in a fair manner.

The lawsuits refer to 2G, 3G and 4G patents, some other wireless communications systems, TV streaming and access to applications on mobile devices. The problem appeared when Apple’s license agreement with Ericsson expired in the beginning of 2015, and the renewal negotiations between the companies stalled leading to litigation.

Estimations are that it could cost Apple from $250m to $750m per year if the courts agree that Ericsson’s patent royalty demands were fair. Industry experts also estimate Ericsson’s 35,000-plus IP portfolio to be worth $1.18bn. Ericsson owns more than 100 patent licensing agreements with the tech firms and remains the largest manufacturer of network equipment. Back in 2014, Samsung agreed to settle a similar license dispute by paying Ericsson $650m along with years of royalties.