Huawei and Sharp Sign Longterm Cross-Licensing Deal of Cellular Standard Essential Patents

Huawei and Sharp announced today the signing of a new long-term global patent cross-licensing agreement, which covers Cellular Standard Essential Patents, including 4G and 5G.

The signing marks a major milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the leading telecoms players in areas of intellectual property (IP) licensing. "We are delighted to reach a new agreement with Sharp through amicable discussions," said Alan Fan, Head of Huawei's Intellectual Property Department.

The collaboration between Huawei and Sharp also adds to the long history of cooperation between China and Japan. Both countries have been active participants and contributors of the patent pool system which enables implementers to obtain a license under all patents in the pool, simultaneously. The ‘one-stop licensing’ has improved licensing transparency, efficiency and costs, and has cut down the need for bilateral negotiations while mitigating licensing disputes. It has enabled Huawei to share its innovation and technology with Japanese peers, including some of its latest programs such as the Sisvel’s Wi-Fi 6, IOT, Avanci 4G vehicle, 5G vehicle and Access Advance’s HEVC ADVANCE programs.

“This license represents mutual recognition of IP of two standard contributors, which promotes standardization collaboration.  We’ve enjoyed working together with Japanese and global peers in developing standards, and will continue to do so.  Advanced technical standards enhance user experience, promotes competition and reduce device and service cost,” Fan added.

The collaboration recognizes the importance of IP licensing in granting industry peers global access to standardized technologies, making them more accessible and affordable. At optimal fees, IP licensing can help democratize innovation, drive returns and enable new technologies to be popularized and implemented rapidly at reasonable costs. As both a patent holder and implementer, Huawei advocates setting royalties according to FRAND principle for SEPs as part of its effort to promote a strong balance between sustainability and the healthy development of the industry.

“We are pleased to have reached this global patent cross-licensing agreement with Huawei under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory conditions. This agreement reflects that both parties respect the high value of each IP,” stated by Mototaka Taneya, Executive Managing Officer, Chief Technical Officer, and Head of R&D at Sharp.

The latest partnership also points to the recognition of IP value between companies as a major step towards fostering a positive cycle of innovation and research in high-value standards which encompasses investing, receiving returns from investment, and then reinvesting. This will enable the telecoms industry to continue innovating and delivering competitive products and services for consumers.

Source: thefastmode.com - Ariana Lynn

Editor: IPR Daily-Horace