Ericsson

PTAB Upholds Wireless Patent Against Nokia and Ericsson

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The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has ruled against Nokia and Ericsson in their bid to invalidate a wireless communication patent. The decision preserves 15 key claims from U.S. Patent No. 10,715,235, which focuses on improving data transmission and reducing interference in modern wireless systems.

The ruling marks a significant win for the patent owner, reinforcing the validity of technology used in advanced communication networks.

Patent Focus: Beamforming and Signal Optimization

The patent centers on beamforming and signal management techniques that enhance communication between multiple antennas. It aims to minimize interference, strengthen data transfer, and improve overall network efficiency—core elements in 5G and future wireless infrastructure.

The PTAB concluded that Nokia and Ericsson did not present sufficient evidence to prove the patent claims were unpatentable. The Board found that the prior art references and expert testimony failed to demonstrate clear overlap with the patented invention.

PTAB Rejects Invalidity Arguments

Both telecom companies had argued that the patent’s claims were invalid due to anticipation and obviousness. However, the Board determined that the patent represented a distinct technical advancement in wireless signal processing.

This decision reflects the PTAB’s increasingly rigorous approach to inter partes review (IPR) petitions, particularly in cases involving next-generation communication technologies.

Legal and Industry Implications

The outcome limits Nokia and Ericsson’s ability to use similar invalidity arguments in any future litigation under AIA estoppel provisions. It also strengthens the patent holder’s position in ongoing and future licensing discussions, potentially increasing royalty demands.

Industry experts suggest that the ruling reinforces the importance of robust patent strategies as 5G innovation continues to expand globally. The case highlights how high-value patents in wireless communication remain key competitive assets in the telecom sector.

Broader Context: PTAB’s Changing Dynamics

The PTAB has shown a trend toward upholding more patents amid a rise in challenges from major technology firms. Recent patterns suggest a stricter review process, with the Board emphasizing the need for strong technical and evidentiary support in IPR filings.

This shift may encourage companies to pursue collaborative licensing or design-around strategies rather than relying solely on invalidity petitions to weaken competitors’ portfolios.

What’s Next for Nokia and Ericsson

Both firms are expected to evaluate their legal options, including a potential appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. However, appellate courts typically give deference to the PTAB’s technical findings, making reversals rare.

The decision is likely to influence future patent challenges involving wireless infrastructure, signal processing, and 5G deployment technologies, where innovation and patent rights remain critical to market leadership.

Supreme Court Rejects CCI Plea in Patent Investigation Case

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The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) plea seeking permission to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices in a patents dispute. The decision came on September 5, 2025, and upheld the Delhi High Court’s earlier order.

Background of the Case

The case involved Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Monsanto Holding Private Limited. Both companies faced allegations of imposing unfair licensing terms for their standard-essential patents. The informants had earlier approached the CCI, claiming violations of Section 3 and Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002.

The Delhi High Court, however, quashed the investigation. It held that once the informants reached a settlement with the companies, there was no reason for the CCI to continue the probe. The court also stressed that the Patents Act provided the legal framework for addressing licensing disputes.

CCI’s Argument

The CCI challenged the High Court’s decision through a Special Leave Petition (SLP). It argued that it retained authority to examine whether patent holders abused their dominant position in the market. The regulator claimed that restricting its jurisdiction would weaken competition law enforcement.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

A bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Sandeep Mehta dismissed the CCI’s appeal. The judges said the High Court’s order required no interference, as the informants had settled their grievances. They also noted that the inquiry overlapped with the statutory role of the Controller of Patents.

The Court clarified that its decision was limited to this case. It left open the possibility of re-examining the issue of overlap between competition law and patent law in future disputes.

Implications

The ruling reinforces the primacy of the Patents Act when disputes involve licensing terms and royalty payments. It also highlights the limits of the CCI’s role when cases fall within the domain of intellectual property law.

Legal experts believe the decision could influence future disputes involving technology licensing, biotech patents, and pharmaceutical patents. The judgment sends a clear message that patent law takes precedence, but it does not entirely close the door for competition scrutiny in other contexts.

Ericsson and Lenovo Settle Patent Licensing Dispute, Arbitration to Resolve Remaining Issues

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Ericsson and Lenovo have reached a settlement to partially resolve their ongoing patent licensing dispute, stemming from a multi-year, global patent cross-license agreement between the two companies.

Under the terms of the settlement, all current lawsuits and administrative proceedings initiated by both parties across multiple jurisdictions, including those before the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), will be withdrawn, effectively ending all ongoing patent-related legal proceedings.

Financial impacts from the partial settlement are expected to be recognized starting in Q2 2025. However, the two companies have agreed to pursue arbitration to fully and finally resolve the remaining issues related to their patent licensing dispute.

Ericsson, a leading player in mobile technology and a key contributor to 3GPP and global mobile standards, holds a robust patent portfolio of over 60,000 granted patents, further bolstered by its leadership in 5G technology. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, with annual expenditures exceeding SEK 50 billion. Ericsson is optimistic about increasing its intellectual property revenues, particularly through new 5G agreements and expansion into other licensing areas in the long term.

The settlement between Ericsson and Lenovo marks a significant step in resolving the patent dispute, providing both companies the opportunity to focus on their business activities moving forward while continuing to engage in discussions through arbitration to address remaining licensing matters.