HMD Global was left with no choice but to pull out most of its Nokia units in major European countries. This is after a lawsuit over a patent dispute.
The Finnish company is facing a lawsuit from VoiceAgeEVS LLC (VAEVS) over patents related to VoLTE and Enhanced Voice Service (EVS)—the technology used in making calls using the LTE mobile network.
According to VAEVS, HMD Global doesn’t have the license to use its tech. Last December, it applied for a sales ban to be imposed on HMD Global and the court has finally granted the petition.
Now, most Nokia phones, except for the Nokia G21 and G11, are being pulled out in major European countries. This includes important markets such as France, Spain, Italy, and the company’s home turf Finland.
It is unknown yet how long this will continue. However, HMD has shared the following statement with multiple German outlets:
HMD is a defendant in a number of lawsuits filed by VoiceAgeEVS LLC (“VAEVS”) in various jurisdictions, including Germany. We are disappointed with the completion of the VoiceAge enforcement proceedings in Germany in December and have lodged a complaint. In the meantime, we have ensured that none of the devices offered and distributed in Germany support EVS.
