AI Optical pool takes shape; PMAC chief speaks; BlackBerry’s strong licensing numbers; HMD’s puzzling litigation strategy; plus much more

Welcome to the latest edition of the Sisvel Insights weekly round-up, aggregating news stories, analyses and data points affecting the SEP world that have caught our eye over the past seven days.

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Last week, Sisvel’s Willy Chang shared an update on our latest AI pool initiative, covering optical technologies at the heart of the data centre. This new AI Optical programme will assemble founding licensors for pool formation within the coming weeks, leaving just a short window for additional patent owners to get involved.

In an article for Sisvel Insights, Willy lays out a clear picture of what a successful pool in the space should look like:

[It] must be a true one-stop shop, able to resolve a large share of the potential SEP risk for licensees. In this market, that likely means covering at least 25% of the patent stack at launch. While all markets are different, we would be sceptical of the proposed benefit of any optics pool going live with a significantly lower percentage.

We also heard last week from the head of the UPC’s Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre (PMAC). In an interview with ip fray, Aleš Zalar revealed which issues had provoked the most debate during the preparation of a FRAND discussion paper that that is now undergoing public consultation. Separately, Zalar revealed that the PMAC has already received its first request for mediation in a multi-party cross-border SEP dispute.

Elsewhere, BlackBerry has announced better than expected licensing revenue for the most recent quarter and disclosed a new patent acquisition from Google; and HMD’s legal strategy in SEP disputes has raised eyebrows for its apparent defiance of conventional litigation economics.

Please note that the inclusion of a piece in the list below does not signify agreement with what is stated in the linked article – just that we believe it is of interest and worth flagging.

Market

Sisvel is preparing to commence pool formation for an AI Optical licensing programme that will cover a substantial portion of SEPs reading on key data centre components. Read more (Sisvel Insights)

BlackBerry has reported “stronger than expected” patent licensing revenue and disclosed a portfolio acquisition from Google. Read more (ip fray)🔒. See also The Globe and Mail🔒

Via LA has announced Oppo and Nidec as new licensees under its Qi Wireless programme. Read more (IAM)🔒

Access Advance has appointed former Nokia licensing executive Simon Zhao to head its China business. Dazhi Wang now leads the Finnish company’s Chinese licensing operations. Read more (IAM)🔒

Legal

ETRI has filed US patent infringement claims against Disney over HEVC rights. Read more (IAM)🔒

Hisense has challenged the validity of a number of Chinese patents held by InterDigital. Read more (IAM)🔒

Nokia has added Aylo Holdings as the latest defendant its video encoding SEP enforcement campaign. Read more (ip fray)🔒

Policy & Opinion

PMAC chief Aleš Zalar has confirmed that the body’s FRAND guidelines will not endorse a specific rate-setting methodology; nor will they directly incorporate global jurisprudence. Read more (ip fray)

Strategy & Analysis

Smartphone maker HMD appears willing to sink significant time and money into defending SEP litigation even where its potential liabilities and odds of success seem relatively low. Read more (ip fray)

Disputes related to video codecs account for nearly half of new SEP-related UPC infringement cases filed in the year to date. Read more (IAM)🔒