In a strategic move to safeguard its position in the global smartphone market, Oppo has recently inked a significant global patent cross-licensing agreement with telecommunications giant Ericsson.
This partnership comes at a crucial time when patent disputes are causing major disruptions in the tech industry, as evidenced by recent events involving other prominent phone manufacturers.
The importance of such agreements is underscored by the latest patent dispute case involving Lenovo and Motorola. These brands currently face sales ban on mobile devices in Germany over patent dispute with a US firm.
The severity of the situation is highlighted by the fact that the Munich court barred Lenovo and Motorola from selling devices equipped with Wireless Wide Area Network modules that US firm, InterDigital alleges infringed on its patents.
Oppo’s Proactive Approach to Patent Protection
In a bid to avoid similar patent issues, Oppo has taken proactive steps by entering into this comprehensive agreement with Ericsson. The collaboration extends beyond mere patent cross-licensing, encompassing technical cooperation, market expansion, and other collaborative efforts.
Also Read: ColorOS 14: OPPO’s journey to ultimate smoothness
Feng Ying, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “We are pleased to announce that we have reached a global cooperation agreement with Ericsson. The global patent cross license between two companies covers cellular standard-essential patents including 5G. This agreement reflects the mutual recognition and respect for each other’s intellectual property and lays a solid foundation for our collaboration.”
Ericsson further elaborates on the scope of the partnership, revealing plans for joint projects related to 5G technology, including device testing, customer engagements, and marketing activities.
Christina Petersson, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Ericsson, emphasized the significance of the agreement: “This important royalty bearing license 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 license agreements are based on business negotiations. It also reflects the mutual respect for each other’s patent portfolio.”
Oppo’s Impressive Patent Portfolio
Oppo’s commitment to innovation and intellectual property is evident in its impressive patent portfolio. As of June 30, 2024, the company has filed over 103,000 patent applications globally, with more than 57,000 patents granted.
Notably, over 90 percent of these applications are utility patents, demonstrating the company’s focus on practical, applicable innovations.
The company’s dedication to research and development is further validated by its global ranking in patent applications. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Oppo ranked ninth globally in patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2023.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Oppo has secured a position in the global top ten, solidifying its status as a leader in technological innovation within the smartphone industry.
Implications for the Future of Mobile Technology
This strategic partnership between Oppo and Ericsson not only protects both companies from potential patent disputes but also paves the way for accelerated technological advancements in the 5G era.
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve rapidly, such collaborations will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobile technology and ensuring smooth market operations for major players in the field.
