Lenovo secured a legal victory in the UK on Friday, winning an appeal in its ongoing battle with Ericsson over an interim patent license. The decision marks the latest development in a global dispute between the two tech giants over 4G and 5G wireless technology.
British courts have increasingly allowed short-term patent licenses while broader licensing disputes are settled, as seen in Amazon’s recent case against Nokia.
Lenovo initially sued Ericsson at London’s High Court in 2023, one of several legal battles between the companies across multiple jurisdictions, including Brazil, Colombia, and the United States. Their dispute centers on the terms of a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) license, a key issue in global telecom patent litigation.
In London, Lenovo sought a declaration that a willing licensor would agree to a short-term license until FRAND terms are fully determined. The UK Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling allows British courts to set global FRAND terms, making the jurisdiction a significant battleground for telecom patent disputes.
With this appeal win, Lenovo strengthens its position in negotiations with Ericsson, though the broader legal battle remains ongoing.