Huawei sues Verizon for patent infringement, including network communications technology

Shenzhen-based Huawei files suit against US telecoms operator Verizon, seeking compensation for alleged infringements of its intellectual property rights

Huawei alleges that its patented technology is being used in Verizon’s technologies and services, including network communications infrastructure

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Published: 1:53pm, 6 Feb 2020Updated: 5:47pm, 14 Feb 2020

Huawei Technologies on Thursday filed a lawsuit against US mobile network operator Verizon seeking compensation for what it said were infringements of its intellectual property rights, ratcheting up legal tensions between the Chinese telecommunications giant and the US.

The world's largest provider of telecoms equipment alleges that Verizon is using technology that is protected by 12 of its US patents. It said it has approached Verizon multiple times to negotiate licensing fees since February 2019 and that it had previously furnished the US telecoms company with a list of patents and evidence, but the two companies were unable to agree on licence terms.

“Verizon’s products and services have benefited from patented technology that Huawei developed over many years of research and development,” said Huawei chief legal officer Song Liuping, in a statement announcing that lawsuits have been filed in the Eastern and Western District courts in Texas.

“For years now we have successfully negotiated patent license agreements with many companies,” Song said. “Unfortunately, when no agreement can be reached, we have no choice but to seek a legal remedy.”

Shenzhen-based Huawei is currently caught in the middle of a tech war between the US and China, as it seeks to take the lead in 5G network deployments globally. Washington has argued that Huawei equipment could be used as a conduit for Chinese intelligence activities, although the company has categorically denied these accusations and insisted it would never spy for the Chinese government.

“Huawei’s lawsuit filed overnight, in the very early morning, is nothing more than a PR stunt,” said Rich Young, a spokesman for Verizon, in an emailed statement.