Can Patent Lawsuits Really Block The Sales Of iPhone?

Telecom equipment maker Ericsson (ADR)

announced today that it will be suing Apple Inc.

for infringing on 41 of its mobile related patents. Through the lawsuit Ericsson will seek to block the sale of iPhone and iPads in the U.S. International Business Times Tech Editor, Michael Learmonth, was on CNBC Friday to weigh in on this news. Can iPhone Sales Be Blocked Due To These Patent Lawsuits? "No, I think there is almost zero chance that happens. These patent suits have become pretty routine. This is just an extension of a failed negotiation now playing out in the courts," Learmonth replied. Ericsson Interested In Getting paid More "So, this is not about whether Apple should be licensing these patents," Learmonth said. He continued, "I mean, Ericsson is an old-line tech company that actually invented 2G, 3G, 4G technology, the protocols that iPhone and iPads use to connect to the internet." He continued,"So, the question is how much Apple should actually have to pay to license those patents. I mean think of this, iPhone is Apple's biggest, most profitable business. iPhone business alone is bigger than Microsoft, Google, McDonalds. I mean, Ericsson is looking there and thinking, ‘wow! Apple has turned these technologies we invented into a giant business and we should be paid more.'" When asked why Apple is witnessing so many lawsuits against it, Learmonth replied, "Let's be honest, Apple is a giant target. They have got $178 billion on their books, just cash. So, people see dollar signs with Apple, but Apple has successfully defended these before."