The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and five top automotive groups push for the patent pool operator to uphold transparency in a joint letter.
The six leading automotive groups have penned a letter to Avanci, the leading patent pool operator for licencing essential for 5G use in connected vehicles.
The letter calls on Avanci to provide more transparency on which patents are included in its programme, respecting the principles in the draft EU Regulation on Standard Essential Patent (SEP) licensing. More specifically, the auto groups ask if and how the essentiality of the patents is assessed, and how the royalty rates are determined to be fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND).
Unless there is a swift adoption of the EU’s proposed SEP licensing rules, the auto sector – and others providing connected products and services within the Internet of Things (IoT) – will continue to face problems in obtaining licences for using wireless technology on fair and reasonable terms.
(ACEA)
