The U.S. International Trade Commission agreed to examine Ericsson‘s claims that Apple is violating its wireless patents.
The dispute stems from a licensing agreement between the two companies that expired in January. Since then, the companies haven’t been able to agree on fees for Apple to re-license the 2G/4G patents from Ericsson.
Apple argues the fees are too high and the patents are not essential to LTE. It says Ericsson demanded rates in excess of what’s fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory. Ericsson sued because Apple continues to use the patents without a licensing agreement in place.
Ericsson wants the ITC to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. The ITC said it will look into the matter.
