Nokia lands another 5G deal with Chinese smartphone maker
Deal signals end to litigation between the Finnish multinational and the Guangdong-based company | Latest deal follows agreements with Apple, Samsung, OPPO, Honor, and Huawei.
Nokia has signed a multi-year 5G patent licensing agreement with Chinese smartphone vendor Vivo, marking the sixth major deal the Finnish multinational has concluded in the past 13 months.
This latest deal follows similar agreements with Apple, Samsung, OPPO, Honor, and Huaweiand resolves all pending patent litigation between the parties, in all jurisdictions. The terms of the agreement remain confidential as agreed between the parties.
Catch-up payments
The licence covers Nokia’s fundamental inventions in cellular technologies, and will see it receive payments from the Guangdong-based company in the coming years—along with catch-up payments to cover the dispute period between the pair.
Jenni Lukander, president of Nokia Technologies, said: “Together these licensing agreements demonstrate Nokia’s significant contribution to developing key technologies relied upon by the entire smartphone industry and they will provide long-term stability to our licensing business for years to come.”
Xianwen Xu, general manager of the legal affairs department at Vivo, said: “Signing the agreement reflects the mutual recognition and respect for each other's patent value in cellular technology and it also plays a significant role in fostering a positive development environment within the industry.
“We are dedicated to investing in R&D of smart devices and intelligent services, providing extraordinary hi-tech products and services for users worldwide.”
Conclusion of IP cycle
According to Nokia, its IP division is progressing towards the conclusion of the smartphone licensing renewal cycle and is making good progress in its growth areas of automotive, consumer electronics, Internet of Things and multimedia.
Nokia said it expected Nokia Technologies, its IP licensing business, to generate at least €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) of operating profit in 2024.
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