[First published on EPLaw Patent Blog, 18 February
2020]
Over the past 13 years, IPCom has been asserting its portfolio
of telecoms patents against various companies in the telecoms
sector. In this recent decision in proceedings against Vodafone,
IPCom has had its patent found valid, essential and infringed by
aspects of Vodafone's 4G infrastructure. However, Vodafone was
able to avail itself of a rarely used "Crown use" defence
in relation to aspects of its network services used for emergency
services providers.
IPCom commenced proceedings against Vodafone in October 2018 for
infringement of its patents EP(UK) 2,579,666 and EP(UK) 2,378,735
in relation to its network infrastructure equipment for 4G and 3G
respectively. This is the judgment of Recorder Douglas
Campbell QC in the technical trial in relation to
EP'666.
