Ericsson sues Apple again over 5G patent licensing infringement

• Ericsson filed two lawsuits covering 12 separate patents

• Apple has filed a lawsuit against Ericsson in December after the latter sued iPhone maker in October

Telecom company Ericsson has sued Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) with another set of patent infringement lawsuits on Tuesday for continuing to use the Swedish company’s 5G technology in the iPhone after its license agreement expired.

Ericsson has filed two lawsuits, covering a total of 12 separate patents in the latest tussle between the two giants over royalty payment for the use of patents.

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“Apple first licensed Ericsson’s 2G and 3G Essential Patents in 2008 when it released the first iPhone,” the lawsuit said. “In 2015, Apple and Ericsson executed another global cross-license, covering both parties’ patents related to the 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular standards.”

“Based on the expiration of those licenses,” it mentioned, “Apple is no longer licensed to Ericsson’s Essential Patents.”

Previous lawsuits

Apple and Ericsson have already sued each other in the U.S. as negotiations failed to renew the seven-year licensing contract.

Last October, Ericsson first sued the iPhone maker claiming that Apple was trying to cut down the royalty rates improperly. 

The Cupertino giant filed a lawsuit against the Swedish company in December, alleging that the firm was using “strong-arm tactics” in its patent negotiations.

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These legal exchanges are similar to a series of suits that both the companies went through in 2015, resolving with a new patent licensing agreement, which has now expired.

“Since the prior agreement has expired, and we have been unable to reach agreement on the terms and scope of a new license, Apple is now using our technology without a license,” an Ericsson spokesperson told Reuters.

Last year, Ericsson settled patent lawsuits with Korean giant Samsung after several months of court battles.

Picture Credit: iMore