Ericsson launches patent infringement case

Ericsson is suing smartphone maker Wiko, alleging infringement in relation to "patents essential" to 2G, 3G and 4G technology. The proceedings are taking place in the regional courts of Düsseldorf and Mannheim in Germany

Ericsson is suing smartphone maker Wiko, alleging patent infringement in relation to its 2G, 3G and 4G technology. The proceedings are taking place in the regional courts of Düsseldorf and Mannheim in Germany.

Ericsson has said in a statement that Wiko “has been infringing [our] intellectual property rights for six years without any license or compensation.”

The company then goes on to claim that it has been attempting to establish a “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” license agreement with Wiko since May 2013, without success. Ericsson is also claiming infringement of implementation patents. 

EricssonSMALL.jpg

Speaking of the move, Ericsson’s chief intellectual property officer Gustav Brismark, said: “Global sharing of technology and open standards are the force behind the smartphone revolution and have allowed new entrants, such as Wiko, to quickly build successful businesses.

"Our ambition has always been to reach a mutually fair and reasonable license agreement with Wiko, just as we do with all of our licensees.”

Wiko did not immediately respond to a request for comment.