Ericsson Seeks Ban on Import of iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch in U.S.

Ericsson has just filed another complaint against Apple with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), seeking an import ban on 4G and 5G Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, in the U.S. (via Foss Patents).

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Both companies have previously sued each other as negotiations failed over the renewal of a seven-year licensing contract for telecoms patents first struck in 2015. The Swedish company is now accusing Apple of infringing at least four of its patents related to the 4G or 5G cellular connectivity standards. 

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

“Those four patents have all been declared essential to the 4G or 5G cellular connectivity standards. The Texas case will be stayed pending the resolution of the ITC complaint, but Ericsson could go back later (should the parties still not have agreed on a deal by then) and seek damages in Texas. The ITC can order import bans, but does not have the statutory authority to award damages.”

Ericsson sued first in October, claiming that Apple was trying to improperly cut down the royalty rates. The iPhone maker then filed a lawsuit in December accusing the Swedish company of using “strong-arm tactics” to renew patents

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