Nokia and OPPO Reach Milestone Agreement to End Global Patent Disputes
Jan 25, 2024: Nokia and OPPO have inked a multi-year patent cross-license agreement, bringing an amicable conclusion to all ongoing patent litigation globally. This significant agreement encompasses Nokia’s pivotal cellular technology inventions, with OPPO committing to royalty payments. Notably, catch-up payments will also be made to compensate for periods of non-payment during the dispute phase.
The terms of this groundbreaking agreement, including specifics on payments and duration, have been kept confidential, marking a pivotal collaboration between the two tech giants. This resolution is set to provide long-term stability to Nokia’s licensing business.
Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, “We are delighted to have reached a cross-license agreement with OPPO that reflects the mutual respect for each other’s intellectual property and Nokia’s investments in R&D. OPPO is one of the leading companies in the global smartphone market, and we look forward to working together to bring further innovation to their users around the world.”
Feng Ying, OPPO’s Chief Intellectual Property Officer, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This agreement reflects the mutual recognition and respect for each other’s intellectual property and lays the foundation for future collaboration between OPPO and Nokia.”
The financial impact of this agreement on Nokia is expected to materialize in Q1 2024, with the company anticipating net sales from the agreement, including catch-up payments. The resolution aligns with Nokia’s long-term outlook for Nokia Technologies, providing stability and allowing a continued focus on innovation in various technology domains.
Nokia’s patent portfolio, a result of over €140 billion invested in R&D since 2000, comprises approximately 20,000 patent families, including over 6,000 essential to 5G. These patents are crucial contributions to open standards, fostering innovation and the development of new products and services for consumers.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect in the tech industry while opening avenues for potential future endeavors.
