Lenovo and Motorola Face Sales Ban in Germany for WWAN-Enabled Devices Due to Patent Dispute with InterDigital

Lenovo and its subsidiary Motorola are no longer permitted to sell devices with WWAN functionality in Germany. This restriction applies to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The reason for this ban is the violation of the patent owned by the American company InterDigital.

InterDigital claims that Lenovo is using its patented technology related to WWAN modules without paying the appropriate fees. WWAN, short for wireless wide area network, is a technology used in smartphones, tablets, and laptops to connect to mobile networks. Lenovo argues that the licensing fees demanded by InterDigital are excessive.

The court in Munich ruled in favor of InterDigital, leading to an immediate sales ban on Lenovo's WWAN-compatible products in Germany, including those from subsidiary Motorola. As a result, these products have been removed from Lenovo and Motorola's German webshops. While existing stock in physical stores can still be sold, retailers are prohibited from restocking once inventory is depleted. Additionally, Lenovo has been ordered to pay damages to InterDigital, as reported by the German business magazine WirschaftsWoche.

Lenovo responded by expressing its disagreement with the German court's decision. The company believes that InterDigital has failed to fulfill its own obligations to license the technology on fair and reasonable terms. Lenovo advocates for accessible and affordable innovation, accusing InterDigital of imposing unreasonable fees that disadvantage German consumers.

Lenovo retains the option to appeal the court's ruling in Germany. The outcome of any potential appeal could determine whether the sales ban becomes permanent. Lenovo may opt to negotiate with InterDigital and agree to higher licensing fees, which would allow the company to reintroduce WWAN-compatible products in the German market. Previously, smartphone brands realme and vivo withdrew from Germany following a legal dispute with Nokia. Similarly, OPPO and OnePlus halted smartphone sales in the country after losing a lawsuit. Update 6:25 p.m.: Added response from Lenovo.