Ericsson has filed yet another batch of patent infringement cases against Apple, the latest volley in the two firms’ feud over royalties for using 5G wireless technology in iPhones.
Both businesses have previously sued one other in the United States after discussions to renew a seven-year licensing arrangement for telecommunications patents initially negotiated in 2015 fell.
In October, Ericsson filed the first lawsuit alleging that Apple attempted to reduce royalty fees unfairly.
In December, the iPhone manufacturer filed a complaint accusing the Swedish corporation of adopting “strong-arm methods” to renew patents.
“Because the previous agreement ended and we were unable to achieve agreement on the terms and scope of a new licence, Apple is currently utilising our technology without a licence,” stated an Ericsson spokeswoman.
The Swedish corporation invests over $5 billion per year in research, has a patent portfolio of over 57,000 patents, and royalties from its patent portfolio account for nearly one-third of its operational earnings.
After several months of legal fights, Ericsson resolved patent disputes with Samsung last year, temporarily lowering its quarterly profitability.
After a settlement is achieved, outstanding dues are normally cleared.
