Huawei is seeking over $1 billion from US telecoms giant Verizon relating to over 230 patents.

The beleaguered Chinese vendor claims Verizon owes the cash in licensing fees. A Huawei intellectual property executive wrote Verizon should pay up to “solve the patent licensing issue".

Patents in question range from core network technologies, IoT, and wireline infrastructure.

US operators have claimed Huawei has infringed on their own intellectual property in the past. T-Mobile, for example, claimed Huawei stole its 'Tappy' technology for testing devices.

Tappy repeatedly mimics finger swipes and presses for durability testing of devices. While we cannot confirm it was T-Mobile's technology, Telecoms saw a very similar test during a tour of Huawei's facilities.

The US has long held concerns about potential state control of Huawei posing a security threat but has kept its concerns mostly internal. However, in recent months particularly, the US has increased pressure on its allies – even resorting to threats – to ban Huawei from their national infrastructures.

Some believe Huawei's decision to pursue T-Mobile now is geopolitically motivated.

Verizon spokesman Rich Young said: “Given the broader geopolitical context, any issue involving Huawei has implications for our entire industry and also raise national and international concerns.”

Huawei and Verizon executives met in New York last week to discuss the patent issue and determine whether any other equipment being used infringes on intellectual property.

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