There has been a new development in the ongoing patent battle between Apple and Ericsson. A Texas Judge has settled on a court date of June 2023 for both companies to be going to trial.
Apple and Ericsson are going to trial next year
In a court order noted by FOSS Patents, a judge ordered that both companies would have to resolve their legal dispute in front of a jury in June next year. Both parties will be required to find witnesses, evidence, and more for the court. On March 16, a scheduling conference will be held between Apple and Ericsson’s attorneys.
The Swedish firm first filed a suit against Apple in October after both companies failed to reach a new licensing agreement over patents related to connectivity on devices like the iPhone 13. In turn, the Cupertino tech giant in December 2021, filed a lawsuit against Ericsson accusing the company of using “strong-arm tactics” during negotiations over 5G network licensing.
Apple and Ericsson’s agreement for the Cupertino tech giant to use its patents for 2G, 3G, and 4G technology expired in December 2021. In January, Apple was sued once again for continuing to use the Swedish company’s 5G patents in the iPhone after its seven-year license agreement expired. Ericsson filed two lawsuits covering a total of 12 separate patents. The cases could not have been brought to court until the licensing agreement expired.
Just days after Ericsson filed two lawsuits against Apple, the tech giant filed an ITC complaint against the Swedish firm alleging a similar infringement of its 5G technology. Apple further claimed that Ericsson used these patents in mmWave antenna radio units and radio baseband units and their respective components. In the complaint, Apple asked for an investigation into this unlawful use and sought a ban on any products that infringe on its patents.
On the other hand, Ericsson is not seeking a ban on any of Apple’s devices. Instead, it is seeking a court ruling as to how much Apple should pay the company for using its technology.
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