Standard-essential patents

A weekly guide to IP news from around the world that you may have missed, featuring Google, Messi, Katie Perry, patent fee increases and WIPO's new SEPs event.

Latest Features

A vote adopting new rules is sending shockwaves through the tech patent industry—but a high number of abstentions shows that ‘the debate is not over’, finds Sarah Speight.
Criticism of the European Commission’s proposal to regulate standard-essential patents is mounting from prominent voices, making implementation look increasingly unlikely, finds Sarah Speight.
The European Commission’s draft regulation for standard essential patents sparked lively debate, but where are we now and are the proposals likely to be implemented? Tom Foster of Taylor Wessing brings us up to speed.
Proposals to regulate standard-essential patents are well-intentioned but could place the EU’s innovation, economy and judicial systems at risk, argues Marianne Schaffner.
Ahead of his departure in September, WIPR asked the executive director of the EU Intellectual Property Office to reflect on not being re-elected, proud moments and what he plans to do next.
After the European Commission finally published its proposals to reform standard-essential patent licensing, we share views from SEP holders and implementers in part one of a two-part focus on industry reaction.
The decision revealed plenty about how FRAND disputes may play out while cementing the UK as an alternative European venue, says Tess Waldron of Powell Gilbert.
In disputes over confidential information, certain resolution methods hold distinct advantages—from decision-makers with technical expertise to ex parte contact. Sarah Speight reports.
All features


More News

Resource Hub provides guidance on standards, licensing and disputes | Office hopes to address lack of information around SEPs and transparency concerns.
Counsel for the automaker faced criticism for “perfunctory and inadequate” submissions | Tesla needs worldwide licence for all its 5G SEPs but objects to Avanci’s terms | Bid failed on jurisdictional grounds.
Chipmaker says it wants to restore a “level playing field” for licensees | China-based mobile phone giant argues such suits don't factor in economic differences between regions.
Lord Justice Arnold questions Judge Mellor’s ‘inconsistent’ previous ruling in Levovo dispute but largely aligns | Lord Justice Birss ‘surprised it took so long to produce draft judgment’ | InterDigital’s bid for 49-50 US cents per unit cut to 22.5 US cents.
Federal Cartel Office says alliance of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW and ThyssenKrupp can go ahead | To avoid sanctions, the car makers must focus negotiations on SEPs that can be applied in other industries—not just automotive.
US and UK offices sign agreement to cooperate on standard-essential patents | Aims to create a “fair and balanced international ecosystem” | Collaboration comes after the European Parliament's approval of SEP regulations, despite opposition from patent stakeholders.
Patent trust initiates ‘strategic’ legal proceedings in Paris alongside simultaneous proceedings in Delhi | Trust alleges unfair use by Xiaomi’s of 4G tech covered by 167 patent families | Litigation estimated to be worth more than $300m.
More news