Ericsson Sues Apple in UK Over 5G Patent Use

22 JUNE 2022 - The slugfest between Apple and Ericsson continues. iMore says the wireless tech company’s global fight against Apple has grown by one country in the past few days, with the UK added to the list. That brings the total number to six, according to the report. The fights center around 5G. “Until recently,” says the iMore piece:

…Apple had a licensing deal over 3G and 4G with [Ericsson], however when this expired [Apple] failed to reach a deal on a fresh licensing agreement that included 5G.

Kind of a big “oops” considering all of the iPhone’s now include 5G. It doesn’t sound like Apple is arguing over Ericsson’s ownership of the intellectual property, but how much they should have to pay to use it. iMore says, “Ericsson isn't seeking any kind of ban or injunction against Apple…” No calls to block the import of existing iPhones and no hinderance for phones of the future. They just need to settle on a price, or have various courts settle it for them.

No word in the report on next steps for the UK case. Apple and Ericsson are expected to meet in a US court over the same issue in 2023.