“Sales of 5G iPhones banned in Colombia,” reports Digital Trends, “due to a 5G patent infringement dispute between Apple and Ericsson. The ban affects the latest models, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 και iPad Pro, σύμφωνα με ένα δικαστήριο που διαπίστωσε ότι παραβίαζαν το δίπλωμα ευρεσιτεχνίας της Ericsson για την technology 5G”.
Of course in response Apple is suing Ericsson in Texas, "for damages that would result from the decision in Colombia, as well as for any fines, fees, penalties and costs that will arise because of it."
The website FOSS Patents reports that Colombia decided on the ban "six months after Ericsson's patent infringement allegations against Apple."
ZDNet reports:
The story is somewhat complicated, but can be summarized as follows points:
- Apple used to pay Ericsson royalties for proprietary 5G technologies.
- Apple was unable to renew licenses when they expired.
- Ericsson sued Apple.
- Apple then sued Ericsson, claiming that the company was in violation of FRAND (from the original fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) regulations, because the patents were indeed essential patents but Ericsson's licensing fees were too high.
A bunch of legal actions and reactions followed, with the two companies trying to get sales bans on each other.
This ban is probably not that big of a deal for Apple given the small size of this market.
The real problem is that several lawsuits are still pending through various courts in different regions.
Apple is not contesting the validity of the patents, thus almost certainly paving the way for bans to be imposed in more countries.
