VW reaches 4G patent deal that could resolve Acer dispute

09 March 2022 - 09:09 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
VW has reached a patent agreement over 4G technology which could resolve its dispute with Taiwanese computer maker Acer.
VW has reached a patent agreement over 4G technology which could resolve its dispute with Taiwanese computer maker Acer.
Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Volkswagen Group has reached a patent agreement over 4G technology which could resolve its dispute with Taiwanese computer maker Acer, sources close to the German automaker said on Tuesday.

In December Acer filed a lawsuit in the US state of Virginia against Volkswagen, German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche reported at the time, alleging Volkswagen had infringed on its patents for 4G mobile chip technology in its cars.

The carmaker has paid for licences for 2G and 3G patents, but has been using 4G technology in its cars for the past two years without the appropriate licence, Acer claimed.

To settle the dispute, Volkswagen struck an agreement for 4G patents with independent licensing marketplace Avanci, a consortium of companies which cross-licence patents relating to a particular technology, also used by Mercedes-Benz and BMW as well as Volkswagen's brands Porsche and Audi.

Acer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.