Global tech Huawei in Shenzhen, China, and Ericsson have sealed a momentous long-term patent cross-licensing accord. This agreement encompasses a wide spectrum of essential patents relating to industry standards such as 3GPP, ITU, IEEE, and IETF for 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular technologies. The agreement extends its reach across both companies' offerings, including network infrastructure and consumer devices, thereby facilitating worldwide access to each other's standardized, patented technologies.
Alan Fan, the Head of Huawei's Intellectual Property Department, expressed enthusiasm about this historic pact, stating, "We are thrilled to formalize this long-term global cross-licensing agreement with Ericsson. Recognizing each other as significant contributors to standard essential patents (SEPs) in mobile communication, this agreement fortifies the patent landscape. It underscores the commitment of both parties to the proper respect and protection of intellectual property."
Huawei's extensive track record of two decades as a key contributor to mainstream ICT standards, encompassing cellular, Wi-Fi, and multimedia codecs, has positioned it as a leader in the industry. In 2022, Huawei clinched the top spot in the European Patent Office's ranking of patent applicants, boasting an impressive 4,505 patent applications.
Fan went on to emphasize the shared commitment to advancing technological innovation. "Our pledge to share cutting-edge innovations will propel the growth of a healthy and sustainable industry, enriching consumers with more robust products and services," he stated.
