Tesla Wins UK Supreme Court Patent Case

Tesla won a key legal victory at the UK Supreme Court on Monday in its patent dispute with US technology company InterDigital and patent licensing platform Avanci.

The electric vehicle maker is seeking a court ruling establishing fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing terms, known as FRAND terms, for the patents it needs ahead of the planned launch of its 5G-enabled vehicles in the UK.

Although lower courts initially rejected Tesla's claim, the Supreme Court ruled in the company's favor, holding that patent holders remain subject to FRAND licensing obligations even when their patents are licensed through a patent pool. The case, which was backed by several international technology associations, will now return to the High Court in London for reconsideration.

Avanci said it disagreed with the ruling and continues to argue that Tesla's claims are without merit.

(Reuters, Max)