Ericsson Files Two New 5G Patent Lawsuits Against Apple

Ericsson filed a pair of fresh 5G lawsuits against Apple covering a string of intelectual property. The vendor lodged two cases with a US district court, with four patents covered in one and eight in the other, Foss Patents reported.

Ericsson’s move is the latest in a spat which resulted in each company taking legal action in the US during 2021, as negotiations over the renewal of a seven-year licensing contract for telecom patents that was first struck in 2015 failed. Apple’s previous deal covered 2G, 3G, and 4G, but the companies have so far been unable to reach a new agreement that also covers 5G.

Ericsson told Reuters Apple is now using its technology without a license since the prior agreement has expired. Foss Patents noted Apple will predictably retaliate, but also noted that Apple’s exposure to patent assertions dwarfs Ericsson’s.