Licensing Standard Essential Patents: FRAND and the Internet of Things

What is the licensing framework of standard essential patents (SEPs) for connectivity standards such as 5G and Wi-Fi? How will the framework change with the Internet of Things (IoT)? This book provides comprehensive answers to these questions.

For decades the licensing of SEPs has been the subject of controversy and much uncertainty around the globe. In order to bring clarity to the debate, this book analyses the key components of a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licence; explains the economic, policy and market background of SEP disputes; examines the interrelated application of contract, patent and competition laws, and describes the approaches by courts and regulators in the EU, US and the UK. Importantly, the book assesses how lessons learned from the smartphone and ICT industries can be applied in the new environment of the IoT, and considers what needs to change in the future.

The book provides a holistic coverage of SEP licensing issues in an attempt to reduce litigation within this highly complex and technical area, and will be invaluable for practitioners, policy makers, SMEs and large technology companies in the IoT space, as well as academics interested in the field.