Motorola smartphones face ban in US for violating Ericsson patents

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) recently ruled in favor of Swedish telecom equipment developer Ericsson in the early stages of a patent dispute with Motorola. This could lead to Motorola phones being banned from the US market.

Image source: Motorola

The patent dispute between Motorola and Ericsson involves Ericsson’s intellectual rights to certain elements of 5G wireless technology. According to Ericsson’s lawyers, Motorola’s Moto G, Edge and Razr smartphone lines violate patented technology.

This is only the initial part of the trial. The ITC’s decision must be confirmed by a special commission in April 2025. If the commission upholds the ITC’s decision, it would likely mean a ban on Motorola products being imported into the United States. Or the companies will be able to negotiate royalty payments.

The US is not the only country where Motorola and Ericsson are in legal conflict. The companies are also involved in patent lawsuits in South America, the United Kingdom and North Carolina. So far, the advantage is on Ericsson’s side – the company has won courts in Brazil and Colombia.