Business
US trade tribunal finds Lenovo smartphones infringe Ericsson patents
Global Banking & Finance Review®
Company
By Blake Brittain
The U.S. International Trade Commission said on Tuesday that smartphones made by Lenovo’s Motorola Mobility infringe patents owned by Ericsson, which could lead to a ban on U.S. imports of the phones if the decision is upheld.
An ITC judge said in an initial ruling that the smartphones violate Ericsson’s patent rights in 5G wireless technology, handing Sweden-based Ericsson a preliminary victory in its international patent licensing dispute with China-based Lenovo.
Spokespeople for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision.
The full commission is scheduled to issue a final ruling on Ericsson’s allegations in April. Another ITC judge ruled for Lenovo in an initial decision in a related case last month.
Ericsson filed its complaint with the Washington-based ITC last year, alleging that phones from Motorola’s Moto G, Edge and Razr lines infringe patents related to wireless communications. Lenovo denied the allegations.
The companies are also embroiled in patent lawsuits in South America, the United Kingdom and North Carolina. Ericsson won preliminary court orders banning sales of Lenovo smartphones in Brazil and Colombia in its infringement cases there.
A U.S. appeals court in October revived Lenovo’s request for an injunction to bar enforcement of the South American bans.
(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Bill Berkrot)
A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor or assignee for a certain period, giving them exclusive rights to make, use, or sell an invention.
5G technology is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously compared to previous generations.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) is an independent U.S. federal agency that investigates and adjudicates trade-related matters, including patent infringement and unfair trade practices.
A preliminary ruling is an initial decision made by a court or agency that can influence the final outcome of a case, often subject to further review or appeal.
A smartphone is a mobile device that combines cellular and mobile computing functions, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and access the internet and applications.
Explore more articles in the Business category
