STOCKHOLM/BERLIN — More than a dozen automakers together with Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. have signed up with a platform for patent licences from 51 tech firms, aiming to simplify entry to wi-fi expertise and keep away from expensive authorized battles.
Conflicts have stemmed partially from completely different views amongst carmakers, suppliers and tech corporations over who ought to shoulder the price of licensing.
Through unbiased licensing market Avanci, carmakers achieve entry to patents for 2G, 3G and 4G expertise from the likes of Finland’s Nokia, Sweden’s Ericcson and Taiwan’s Acer for every part from navigation programs to sensors for automated driving.
Avanci costs a flat payment of $20 per automotive, elevated this month from $15 beforehand, with the cash distributed amongst patent holders.
The new signings — which additionally embrace Renault, Stellantis and Honda Motor Co. — imply 80-85 p.c of vehicles with 2G expertise or greater are licensed by means of the platform, Avanci vp Mark Durrant stated in an interview.
The mannequin permits carmakers to keep away from the battles over royalties that came about between smartphone makers similar to Apple and Samsung and telecoms firms, who negotiate one-on-one for licences.
“The auto market is just too splintered for it to be worth it for patent owners to negotiate with each individual player,” stated an trade supply, who declined to be named due to contractual agreements. “It’s a matter of effectivity.
Mercedes-Benz, then Daimler, ended a years-long dispute over its patent use final 12 months with Nokia after being ultimately pressured to pay.
Volkswagen was sued by Acer for utilizing its 4G expertise with out the suitable licence. The carmaker in March signed with Avanci, which covers Acer’s patents, to be able to settle.
While suppliers have traditionally paid for patent licences in areas like engine design, tech corporations would moderately deal instantly with carmakers over telecoms patents, in keeping with an auto trade supply with expertise of licensing negotiations.
“Usually suppliers handle patents in the development process – telecoms is the one area where they don’t,” the individual, who declined to be named, stated.
Avanci can be working with firms on a brand new contract to cowl 5G patents, which might doubtless be costlier than the present patent portfolio.
Source: www.autonews.com