After 2013's Samsung problems and the resolution of the anti-poaching fiasco, Apple has chosen to enter into yet another lawsuit.
This time, Apple is suing Swedish tech company Ericsson regarding LTE wireless tech patents. Apple alleged that "the Swedish company's LTE wireless technology patents are not essential to industry cellular standards and that it is demanding excessive royalties for these patents," according to Reuters.
Ericsson is a mobile telecoms gear maker from Sweden. The company asked Apple for a portion of the royalties made by the sale of an iPhone or tablet. However, Apple says that their use of the LTE technology does not infringe on the patents that Ericsson submitted before. Apple had signed an agreement with Ericsson in 2008 around the time Apple released the first iPhone that covered the general rules regarding Ericsson's control of their tech. However, that agreement expired in 2012. Ericsson and Apple have been in negotiation for the last two years, trying to determine the best action.
After a period of disagreement, Apple chose to sue Ericsson over this issue. In response, Ericsson submitted a counter-sue, questioning whether Apple's use of tech was "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory."
Apple is currently planning to resolve the issues in the California federal courts.
In contrast, Ericsson filed its complaint in the United States District court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet stated, "We've always been willing to pay a fair price to secure the rights to standard essential patents covering technology in our products. Unfortunately, we have not been able to agree with Ericsson on a fair rate for their patents so, as the last resort, we are asking the courts for help."
"Our goal is to reach a mutually beneficial resolution with Apple. They have been a valued partner for years, and we hope to continue that partnership," Ericsson's spokesman stated in a press release.
It's uncertain when the courts will resolve this case, or whether an agreement will be reached by the end of 2015.
