UK Supreme Court revives Tesla 5G patent lawsuit

Tesla has won a significant legal victory in the United Kingdom, reviving its lawsuit over the licensing terms for 5G patents essential for its connected vehicles. The UK Supreme Court ruled on July 27, 2026, that the electric vehicle maker can proceed with its case against patent platform Avanci and technology firm InterDigital in English courts. The decision overturns earlier rulings that had blocked the core of Tesla's claim.

The automaker originally filed the lawsuit in London's High Court in 2023 as it prepared to introduce 5G-enabled vehicles to the British market, its fourth-largest globally. Tesla is seeking a judicial determination of what constitutes a "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" (FRAND) license for standard-essential patents used in connected cars. According to the Supreme Court's case summary, the license offered through Avanci's platform cost 32 British pounds per vehicle when Tesla initiated proceedings, a rate the company argues is not FRAND.

The legal path to this ruling was protracted. In 2024, the High Court rejected Tesla's request for a FRAND determination after the defendants sought to have that part of the lawsuit dismissed, arguing the case...