Huawei emerges victorious in legal battles against Netgear over WiFi 6 technology

In a significant legal triumph, Huawei has secured multiple court victories against Netgear in their ongoing patent disputes concerning WiFi 6 technology. The latest ruling from the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has granted Huawei a multi-country injunction against Netgear in several key European countries including Germany, France, and Italy. This decision, particularly focused on a WiFi 6 standard-essential patent, could have substantial implications for Netgear’s business operations in the region, as highlighted by intellectual property expert Florian Mueller.

Netgear, a prominent US router manufacturer popular for its Nighthawk and Orbi product lines, now faces a challenging crossroads in its defense against Huawei’s claims. With a forthcoming court ruling expected on January 9, 2025, Netgear’s stance appears increasingly precarious. Huawei’s assertion of another WiFi 6 SEP in the upcoming ruling exacerbates the situation for Netgear, particularly in light of the court’s disposition towards FRAND licensing obligations and patent exhaustion defenses.

The complexities of SEP enforcement in Europe are underscored by this legal battle, with the UPC emphasizing the importance of constructive licensing negotiations and adherence to FRAND obligations. Netgear’s rejection of a pool license offer and its litigation strategies have further weakened its position, prompting the company to consider negotiating a license or potentially facing additional legal and operational setbacks.

This landmark case sets a precedent for future disputes involving SEPs and FRAND obligations, shedding light on the intricacies of patent enforcement in the region.