ZTE turns the tables on Vringo with antitrust complaint in Europe

ZTE and Vringo have patent disputes around the globe. Starting from 2012, Vringo has sued ZTE several times in markets like the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Brazil, Germany and India.

Most of the cases are still pending or appealed by the Chinese company as Vringo won the rest.

"ZTE usually keeps a low profile in patent cases because it does not have the requisite patent assets to defend itself," said Milly Xiang, a senior telecom analyst at research firm IDC China.

The unusual lofty-toned counterattack this time indicates ZTE's heavy investment in IP has given the company some confidence in winning the lawsuit in courts, she said, adding it is also possible for ZTE to file similar suits elsewhere also.

ZTE has filed applications for more than 52,000 patents globally, with more than 16,000 granted so far. Most of its patents are in 4G LTE technology, smart terminals, optical networking, cloud computing and data analytical areas, according to the company. It also pledged to invest in 5G telecom network development.

"Such investments will help enhance ZTE's competitiveness and IP capabilities and enable the company to cope with changes in the technology landscape and market environment," it said.

Despite the series of "active moves" from ZTE, Xiang from IDC feels that Chinese telecom companies may still find it difficult to win an upper hand in overseas IP lawsuits.

"Local enterprises are going to need more time to arm themselves with intellectual property assets because many of the patents are still controlled by foreign organizations," she said.

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