Welcome to the latest edition of the Sisvel Insights weekly round-up, aggregating news stories, analyses and data points affecting the SEP world that have caught our eye over the past seven days 

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Lenovo has won plenty of headlines recently thanks to major UK developments in its multijurisdictional patent dispute with Ericsson. Last week, however, it was two of the people behind the company’s strategy in the case who were making the news. Along with a recent announcement that chief legal officer Laura Quatela would be leaving the role at the end of this month, it also emerged that chief IP officer John Mulgrew has already departed. While Quatela is joining the Lenovo Group board and will be succeeded as CLO by former Motorola General Counsel David Carroll, it is not yet known where Mulgrew is heading next or who will replace him. 

Elsewhere, China announced new regulations on cross-border IP disputes that will take effect on 1^st May, and it looks as if there are set to be significant lay-offs at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in the US. Meanwhile, Sisvel’s founder Roberto Dini penned an opinion piece for IAM arguing that patent pools should play a major role in any EU rethink of SEP-related policy.   

Please note that inclusion of a piece in the list below does not signify agreement with what is stated in the linked article, just that we believe it is of interest and worth pointing out.  

Market  

John Mulgrew has stepped down as chief IP officer at Lenovo after more than five years in the role. Meanwhile, CLO Laura Quatela will retire at the end of March, taking a seat on the Lenovo Group board. EXCLUSIVE: Lenovo IP boss John Mulgrew steps down - IAM 🔒 

Huawei intends to become a licensor/licensee under ViaLA’s HEVC/VVC patent pool, head of IP Alan Fan said. Huawei announces intention to join Via LA’s HEVC/VVC pool - IAM 🔒 

L2 Mobile Technologies, a Longhorn IP subsidiary, announced a settlement and 4G/5G licence agreement with TCL. TCL reaches settlement with L2 Mobile Technologies 

The preliminary programme for Sisvel Connect Barcelona 2025, which will be held October 21-23, is now available.  Sisvel | Barcelona Connect 2025 

Legal 

The Munich Higher Regional Court upheld a lower court’s ruling in the VoiceAge EVS vs HMD case, holding that the SEP implementer is an unwilling licensee. ip fray | MLex  

The same court also confirmed that VoiceAge EVS is entitled to an injunction against Oppo. JUVE Patent 

Policy & Opinion 

China’s State Council published new regulations on foreign-related IP disputes, which will take effect on 1^st May 2025. Announcement (English) | Full Text (Chinese) 

The Patent Trial and Appeals Board (PTAB) at the USPTO has announced it will shortly be commencing a reduction in force process. US PTAB says layoffs on horizon for judges, staff | MLex | Specialist news and analysis on legal risk and regulation 🔒  

Patent pools should play a central role in Europe’s SEP policy making. Full Article - IAM 🔒 | Summary - Sisvel 

Strategy & Analysis 

Chinese entities again filed the most PCT applications in 2024, according to preliminary data from WIPO. China Remains Top Source of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Applications in 2024 - China IP Law Update 

A balanced approach that centres licensees’ interests is the best way to maximise value for patent pool licensors, Via LA dealmaker says. Via LA’s Jane Bu shares her insights on patent licensing negotiation - IAM