Tech Desk 
Dec 18, 2024
Motorola could face a ban on phone sales in the US if a recent ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) is upheld. The ITC found that Lenovo-owned Motorola infringes on Ericsson’s 5G wireless communications patents.
If the decision stands, Motorola phones may be banned from being imported into the US.
An ITC judge issued an initial ruling on December 17, stating that Motorola phones violate Ericsson’s patents related to 5G technology. This ruling follows a complaint filed by Ericsson last year, alleging that phones in the Moto G, Edge, and Razr families infringe on its wireless communication patents.
According to Counterpoint’s November market share report, Motorola held a 14% share in the US market in Q3 2024, with a 21% increase compared to the previous year.
This growth was driven by the improved performance of the Moto G Play 2024. A potential sales ban could be devastating for Motorola, given its significant presence in the US smartphone market.
Lenovo and Motorola are also involved in patent disputes with Ericsson in South America, the UK, and North Carolina. Ericsson has already won cases in Brazil and Colombia, where sales of Motorola phones have been banned.
A final ruling on Ericsson’s case against Lenovo and Motorola is expected in April next year. While Lenovo has denied the allegations, the company has not yet issued a statement regarding the latest ruling. It is possible that the two companies may reach a settlement before a full ban goes into effect.
