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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A series of UK FRAND rulings have loomed large over the SEP market over the past year, making it critical for patent owners to understand the way English judges are likely to approach cases. In an exclusive analysis for Sisvel Insights, Alexandra Brodie of Gowling WLG writes that there is an emergent body of UK FRAND principles that should be noted by anyone crafting a global licensing strategy. She also identifies several areas to watch in future jurisprudence. Despite market concerns over the recent interim licence declarations, the big picture contains some notable positives for patentees.  

In other news, Nokia revealed that it has licensed five major automakers to its WLAN technologies, a category that includes Wi-Fi. In a blog post, the Finnish company’s Chief Licensing Officer for Wireless Technologies Susanna Martikainen wrote that two of those agreements have been signed since the start of 2025. 

Elsewhere, Chinese state-owned telecom group Datang filed 4G/5G SEP actions targeting Xiaomi in Germany; and the US Senate’s Judiciary Committee voted to advance John Squires’ nomination to lead the USPTO by a 20-2 margin. 

Please note that 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 pointing out.   

Market  

Nokia has secured licence deals covering WLAN with two automakers since the start of 2025, the company said in a blog post. Licensing Nokia’s wireless innovation | Nokia.com 

Ericsson is reportedly open to discussing patent transaction opportunities on both the acquisition and divestment sides. Ericsson VP says the “shop is open” for potential patent transactions - IAM 🔒 

Legal 

Datang is litigating 4G/5G SEPs against Xiaomi in the Munich I Regional Court. Datang sues fellow Chinese company Xiaomi in Munich over three 4G/5G standard-essential patents – ip fray 

Nokia expanded its campaign against Acer and Hisense with patent assertions at the Delhi High Court. Nokia upgrades Hisense, Acer disputes with Indian patent infringement filings – ip fray 

Meanwhile, Acer initiated UK litigation against Nokia, potentially setting up a FRAND rate-setting case. Acer Sues Nokia in UK - by Michael MA - Michael’s Substack 

Policy & Opinion 

The Judiciary Committee advanced John Squires’ nomination to lead the USPTO, which will now go to a full US Senate vote. Judiciary Committee Votes Squires Through 20-2 - IPWatchdog 

Acting USPTO Director Coke Morgan Stewart said inter partes reviews should not be the primary quality control mechanism for US patents. IPBC Global 2025: Acting USPTO Director says IPR use needs to change - IAM 🔒 

The largest party within the European Parliament indicated it will not oppose the European Commission’s plan to withdraw the SEP regulation. Luca Bertuzzi - LinkedIn  

An industry group representing European automakers mischaracterised the SEP licensing environment in a recent open letter. Fact-checking automakers' recent claims about patent licensing - IP Europe 

Strategy & Analysis 

Alexandra Brodie of Gowling WLG identified common ground in recent UK FRAND judgments in an exclusive piece for Sisvel Insights. Sisvel | UK FRAND 'law': the state of play 

Data confirms a significant increase in PTAB discretionary denials since Coke Morgan Stewart became acting director of the USPTO. 2025 Q1 PTAB Discretionary Denial Report: Fintiv in Overdrive — Unified Patents