Nokia moved to stave off a European Commission (EC) investigation into its patent licensing practices by seeking to end disputes with several companies in the automotive industry, Reuters reported.
In a statement, the vendor told Reuters it is working constructively to “resolve commercial disputes” around its technology patents in a series of cases primarily involving the automotive industry.
The news agency reported Nokia had submitted a proposal designed to avoid formal intervention by the EC after companies including Daimler complained of unfair terms.
Daimler took action in March [1], stating it was seeking clarification on “how essential patents” for the telecoms industry should be licensed by the automotive sector.
Nokia faced similar complaints from automotive components suppliers Bury [2], Valeo and Continental, along with software company Gemalto.
The technology and automotive companies use Nokia patents in navigation systems, vehicle-to-vehicle communication and autonomous vehicles. While the telecoms market requires standard essential patents to be licensed on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, the suggestion is vendors are not adhering to this in dealings with automotive players.
[1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/nokia-daimler-face-off-in-patent-fight/[2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/nokia-hit-with-another-automotive-patent-complaint/
