Apple Trial Spotlights U.K. Ban Potential in Global Patent Fights

Apple Inc. will ask a London court this month to reject arguments that the iPhone maker is an “unwilling” patent licensee, during a high-stakes trial that could raise the U.K’s growing profile in global patent fights.

Apple already has been found to infringe two Optis Cellular Technology LLC patents essential to 3G and 4G communications standards. The court has been asked to determine a licensing rate that is fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory, or FRAND.

Apple doesn’t want to commit to taking a license before the rate is determined, however. A trial set to begin July 19 focuses on whether that ...