Ericsson v. Qualcomm

Ericsson

Ericsson, the international telecommunications equipment manufacturer based in Sweden, called on McKool Smith in a battle with San Diego-based cellular company Qualcomm over “Internet in your pocket” technology.

At the time, Qualcomm was leading the drive to create an international standard for 3G (third-generation) technology, which enabled users to send and receive sound, pictures and video on wireless, handheld devices. However, Ericsson held eight patents that were essential to 3G technology, and McKool Smith responded with patent infringement lawsuits against Qualcomm in Texas and California.

McKool Smith succeeded in having the complex litigation consolidated in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. After intensive discovery and a Markman hearing over the patents at issue, Ericsson and Qualcomm reached a settlement that resolved all disputes and allowed the corporate giants to work together supporting a single 3G standard. This comprehensive legal settlement enabled Ericsson to remain a leader in the multi-billion-dollar global wireless industry.