China: ZTE, Vringo patent tensions rise

Chinese telecommunications equipment maker ZTE announced Wednesday that it has formally requested patent officials to invalidate various patents from US rival Vringo.

According to reports, ZTE has asked the Patent Re-examination Board of the State Intellectual Property Office to nullify 32 patents owned by Vringo and its subsidiaries, and reports say more requests by ZTE will likely be filed.

The Chinese firm has reportedly launched similar cases against Vringo in courts in the UK, Australia and Germany.

In its announcement, ZTE said the moves are part of its defense against various patent lawsuits filed against it by Vringo throughout Asia, South America and Europe. ZTE filed a counter complaint with the European Commission against Vringo, accusing its US competitor of harming competition by unfairly launching lawsuits over patent infringement. The Commission has been asked to review Vringo’s patent practices.

Full content: IT Web

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