Apple and Ericsson Settle Litigation and Sign a Patent Deal

Apple and Swedish mobile telecom gear manufacturer Ericsson have been locked in a rather lengthy legal conflict for about a year now, as Ericsson has filed an official complaint against Apple concerning mobile tech licensing payments. Not too long ago, the Swedish company has announced that the dispute is finally settled, as the two firms have signed a patent license deal. The agreement will bring Ericcson a considerable financial boost, which is why its shares have already risen following the announcement. Even though exact figures are unknown at this time, experts estimate that Ericcson stands to gain between $1.52 to $1.64 billion from intellectual property rights in 2015.

According to Kasim Alfalahi, Ericsson’s Chief Intellectual Property Officer, the agreement covers early 2G and 3G technologies as well as the newer 4G-LTE generation, which would explain the numbers listed above. Even though he did not want to reveal any further details, Kasim has stated that the two companies will be working together in the future.

“It means we can continue to work with Apple in areas such as 5G radio network and optimization of the network.”

The deal involves Apple paying Ericcson a large sum up front as well as ongoing royalties for seven years. The Cupertino-based firm has not issued an official statement at the time of writing.