Qualcomm, ZTE, KPN, and InterDigital have joined the Ericsson-backed Avanci patent group, an initiative announced back in February that ostensibly aims to make patents essential to the wireless industry available to businesses looking to be movers and swingers in the IoT. Of course, for Ericsson, this is another lucrative revenue stream. Avanci’s initial focus will be on the 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular patents surrounding connected cars and smart meters, before expanding into other IoT markets and verticals. Five of the seven leadership team members are former Ericsson staffers, and the companies involved are aiming for a revenue-share model. Currently, Avanci isn’t projecting any estimates of potential royalty levels, or what sort of revenue the pool might return to the…