Communications technologist Ericsson and smartphone vendor OPPO have signed a multi-year global patent cross licence agreement. This includes a cross licence covering patents essential to standards for cellular technologies, including 5G. OPPO will make royalty payments to Ericsson.
In addition to a cross licence, OPPO and Ericsson will conduct business cooperation on a number of projects related to 5G, including device testing, customer engagements and marketing activities.
Christina Petersson, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Ericsson, said, “This important royalty bearing licence agreement with OPPO allows Ericsson to further invest in fundamental communications technologies. The license confirms that the patent licensing industry works and is proof that a vast majority of licence agreements are based on business negotiations. It also reflects the mutual respect for each other’s patent portfolio. We now look forward to growing Ericsson’s IPR revenues with additional 5G agreements and expansion into additional licensing areas, such as IoT and consumer electronics.”
This agreement is in line with global practice where companies that provide products using cellular 3GPP standards such as 5G need a licence agreement with patent holders in order not to infringe these patents, and also for patent holders to be compensated for their R&D investment
The financial benefit of this agreement was already reflected in Ericsson’s Q2 2024 financial results.
By Colin Mann Advanced Television
Colin Mann, Managing Editor Advanced Television
Colin Mann has over 40 years experience in the media and communications industries. Operating as an independent consultant since 1990, his clients have included satellite TV channels, telcos and cable MSOs. Hired by media analysis publishing company Kagan World Media to advise on the launch of two specialist B2B titles, he has edited Euromedia since 2000. Colin is a Fellow of the Society of Broadband Professionals (SCTE) and a member of both the Royal Television Society and Broadcasting Press Guild.