Swedish networking company Ericsson says they’re suing Apple, following the breakdown of negotiations for a licensing deal for its patented LTE technologies. The Wall Street Journal reports Ericsson is suing Apple for infringing 41 wireless-related patents.
WSJ, via MacRumors:
“By refusing Ericsson’s fair and reasonable licensing offer for patented technology used in Apple smartphones and tablets, Apple harms the entire market and reduces the incentive to share innovation,” the company said in a statement.
Ericsson also filed two complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission, in an effort to secure an exclusion order against Apple, which could block U.S. sales of the iPhone iPad, and other related products.
Ericsson has also filed seven complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas as part of the negotiations. Apple’s previous licensing deal with Ericsson expired in mid-January.
Apple had been paying the Swedish firm for a global license covering mobile technology, agreed to in 2008 , but the iPhone maker refused to renew the contract after it expired in January. Ericsson says they offered a new license based on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, but Apple refused.
Apple filed suit against Ericsson on January 12, arguing the Swedish firm was demanding excessive royalties for patents not essential to LTE operations.
Ericsson’s countersuit seeks to collect an estimated $250 million to $750 million in royalties per year from Apple, in order to allow the Cupertino firm to continue the use of its licensed wireless technologies. The company holds over 35,000 patents related to cellular technologies.
