Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 28, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 25, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleLenovo wins UK appeal for interim patent license against Ericsson, impacting global 5G FRAND licensing disputes.
LONDON (Reuters) - Lenovo on Friday won an appeal in Britain in its attempt to get an interim licence to use Ericsson's patents, in the latest ruling in the companies' global licensing dispute over 5G wireless technology.
Lenovo sued Ericsson at London's High Court in 2023, one of several cases brought by Lenovo or Ericsson around the world which has seen the companies trade lawsuits in Brazil, Colombia and the United States.
The dispute centres on the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms for a licence to use Lenovo and Ericsson's patents. Disputes over FRAND licensing have led to global legal battles in the telecom industry.
In London, Lenovo sought a declaration that a willing licensor would agree to a short-term licence pending the final determination of FRAND terms.
Its application was refused last year, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision on Friday.
Judge Richard Arnold said in a written ruling that "a willing licensor in the position of Ericsson would enter into an interim licence with Lenovo", adding that he hoped Ericsson would now choose to do so.
Lenovo's Chief Legal Officer Laura Quatela said the ruling "not only confirms that Lenovo is a willing licensee but strengthens and reaffirms our commitment to advocating for transparency and fairness in global FRAND licensing".
Ericsson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young)
Lenovo won an appeal in Britain to obtain an interim license to use Ericsson's patents.
The dispute centers on the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms for a license to use Lenovo and Ericsson's patents.
The Court of Appeal overturned a previous refusal and stated that a willing licensor like Ericsson would agree to an interim license with Lenovo.
Lenovo's Chief Legal Officer Laura Quatela stated that the ruling confirms Lenovo as a willing licensee and strengthens their commitment to transparency and fairness.
Ericsson did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the ruling.
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