Qualcomm sues Transsion at UPC; UK SEP resource launched; New Chinese Avanci licensor; Beware importing eBay to Europe; plus much more
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
Qualcomm’s dispute with Transsion has ratcheted up another notch with the news that the US company is suing the China-based smartphone manufacturer for patent infringement at the Unified Patent Court. As with the action previously launched in India, it is not thought the European case has a FRAND component. Despite this, many SEP licensors will be watching closely how these suits pan out.
Elsewhere, the UK IP Office has launched an information hub designed to inform SMEs about standards, SEPs and licensing. Written in clear, plain English, this is a resource likely to become a reference point well beyond British shores. Meanwhile, Avanci announced that a state-owned Chinese entity has become a licensor in its 5G vehicle programme; and on Sisvel Insights, Joff Wild looked at calls to introduce an eBay-style injunction test at the UPC, arguing that it is much more easily said than done.
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.
Legal
Qualcomm brought a UPC case against Chinese smartphone maker Transsion, expanding a campaign that also includes suits in India and China. Qualcomm sues smartphone volume giant Transsion in UPC, extending patent enforcement campaign that surfaced in India first – ip fray
Innovative Sonic, an Asustek affiliate, asserted SEPs against Lenovo at the UPC and in Germany, escalating a patent dispute between the two PC makers. ASUSTeK affiliate suing Lenovo in UPC as well as Munich I Regional Court: September trial – ip fray
The Federal Circuit handed a validity setback to the University of New Mexico in its ongoing Wi-Fi patent campaign against companies including Toyota, Asustek and Zyxel Fed. Circ. Axes Claim In UNM Network Patent, Questions Others - Law360 🔒
Following Huawei’s decision to sue MediaTek for patent infringement in China, the Taiwanese company has counter-sued at the High Court in London. MediaTek counterattacks Huawei with patent infringement lawsuit in UK: Report - Huawei Central
The World Intellectual Property Organisation has created an SEP case law database, containing texts relating to laws and regulations and judgments. WIPO Lex, Collections, SEP Case Law Collection
Market
State-owned telecom operator China Unicom has joined the Avanci 5G Vehicle licensing programme. Avanci 5G snags Chinese state-owned licensor - IAM (iam-media.com) 🔒
VideoLabs acquired a portfolio of OTT video streaming patents from Piksel, an early innovator in the space. LinkedIn Post | VideoLabs
Domestic patent filers surpassed foreign entities in India for the first time – though grants are still dominated by multinational companies. Indian patent applicants outpaced foreign entities in FY24 | The Indian Express
For the first time in four years, the top five smartphone vendors in China in Q2 2024 were all domestic companies. Apple’s iPhone elbowed out of top 5 in China by domestic smartphone rivals 🔒
Policy
The UK IP Office has launched a resource hub to provide SMEs with information about standards, SEPs and patent licensing. SEPs Resource Hub - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The US government has issued the implementation roadmap for its National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology. FACT SHEET: Implementing the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology | The White House
There were fireworks at a US House IP subcommittee hearing as congressman Thomas Massie upbraided witnesses testifying in favour of curbing the ITC’s patent authority. On Limiting ITC's Power, House Republican Is 'Appalled' - Law360 🔒
Analysis/Opinion
There have been some calls to introduce an eBay-style injunction test at the Unified Patent Court, but importing US patent litigation remedies to Europe is fraught with dangers. Sisvel | The problem with importing eBay to Europe
Fears that foreign actors could use third-party patent litigation funding to threaten US industry are exaggerated, argues IP EDGE co-founder. House IP Subcommittee Concerns of Foreign Interference in Patent Litigation are Sensationalized (ipwatchdog.com)
