Avanci patent pool launches 5G automotive program

Avanci says it will enable the next generation of connected vehicles with its new 5G patent program.

Avanci, the patent pool launched by Ericsson to license IoT technologies to third parties, has today announced the availability of its 5G automotive licensing program.

What Avanci does is provide companies with access to a pool of patents that it manages, which can then be used to develop new products and services, without the need for multiple licensing agreements, and it now boasts more than 30 licensors, and 14 licensees.

And whether you love or hate patents (and we’re yet to meet anyone that loves them that isn’t making money from them), when Avanci makes an announcement, tech companies take notice. For example, the company already issues more than 50% of LTE standard-essential patents (SEPs), and its move into the 5G is a significant one.

“Through our one-stop Avanci marketplace we have licensed the vast majority of cellular standard-essential patents to millions of connected vehicles,” said Kasim Alfalahi, founder and CEO of Avanci. “5G will power the IoT to expand to many new categories of connected products. As we begin operating our first 5G licensing program for connected vehicles, we will continue to transform how patent licensing is done.”

“As we begin operating our first 5G licensing program for connected vehicles, we will continue to transform how patent licensing is done.”Kasim Alfalahi, Avanci.

Next generation of connected vehicles

According to Avanci, the new licensing program will enable the auto industry to develop the “next generation of connected vehicles”, ensuring that this technology can be shared efficiently and affordably, and it will enable patent owners and IoT and automotive companies to share 5G patents in a single license.

The 5G automotive program has already been reviewed by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) Antitrust Division. And in its Business Review Letter, published on July 28, Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the DoJ, believed it would be a boon for American consumers. 

“In sum, the proposed 5G Platform has the potential to yield efficiencies by reducing transaction costs and streamlining licensing for connected vehicles,” Delrahim said. “Together these efficiencies may allow cellular standards-essential patent owners and vehicle manufacturers to focus resources elsewhere, such as investment in further research and development in emerging 5G technologies and applications. This possibility could enhance competition in these technologies, improve safety, and benefit American consumers.”

The Avanci list of patent owners is currently made up of the following companies: Acer, Airscale, Asus, BlackBerry, BT, China Mobile, Conversant Intellectual Property Management, DT Mobile, NTT Docomo, Ericsson, Fujitsu, HPE, Intellectual Discovery, InterDigital, IS, IPBridge, KPN, LonghornIP, NEC, Nokia, NTT, Oppo, Orange, Panasonic, Panoptis, Philips, Qualcomm, Sharp, Siemens, SISVEL, SK Telecom, Sony, Sun Patent Trust, T-Mobile, TNO, Unwired Planet, Vodafone and ZTE.

Article Source: https://www.5gradar.com/news/avanci-patent-pool-launches-5g-automotive-program