Ericsson and Apple Settle Patent Dispute

Ericsson and Apple have signed off on a global patent license agreement, ending a long-running legal dispute in multiple jurisdictions and a case before the U.S. International Trade Commission..  As part of a seven-year agreement, Apple will make an initial payment to Ericsson and, thereafter, will pay on-going royalties. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal includes a cross license that covers patents relating to both companies' standard-essential patents (including the GSM, UMTS and LTE cellular standards), and grants certain other patent rights. In addition, the agreement includes releases that resolve all pending patent-infringement litigation between the companies.

Ericsson did note that the positive effects from the settlement, and alongside the ongoing IPR business with all other licensees, will bring its estimated IPR revenues will amount to SEK 13-14 b.

"We are pleased with this new agreement with Apple, which clears the way for both companies to continue to focus on bringing new technology to the global market, and opens up for more joint business opportunities in the future," said Kasim Alfalahi, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Ericsson.

http://www.ericsson.com/news/1974964