Major German FRAND intervention; UK SEP consultation announced; Ericsson licensing income rises; Via LA HEVC/VVC pool rate change; 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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In what could become seen as one of the most significant FRAND developments in Europe for some time, the Munich Regional Court last week released detailed guidance on many key issues concerning SEP-related litigation. A 16-page document, issued as part of a case involving ZTE and Samsung and written by Judge Oliver Schön, covered a wide range of contentious issues. These included: the nature of FRAND; royalty calculations; the threat of litigation to secure deals; willingness/unwillingness; and interim licences. What he wrote is likely to be broadly welcomed by SEP licensors. Implementers may be less keen on the positions taken, but could find some positives.
Germany is a civil law country, and the Munich Regional Court is a first instance tribunal, so other judges are not bound by what Dr Schön has set out. However, Munich is also one of the most important patent venues in Europe and Dr Schön is a highly respected figure, so there is reason to believe that, at a minimum, the guidance will be carefully considered in Germany and beyond, including at the UPC. One thing is certain: all parts of the market will be looking very carefully at the judge’s words and watching closely how influential they prove to be.
Elsewhere, the UK IP Office set out the details of a new consultation on SEP licensing; while Ericsson revealed that increased licensing revenues had helped drive Q2 growth for the company; and Via announced new rates for its HEVC/VVC pool. There was much more going on besides.
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
Ericsson told investors that higher IPR licensing revenues helped drive Q2 growth in sales and adjusted gross income. Ericsson reports second quarter results 2025 - Ericsson
Philips and Transsion settled a licensing dispute that saw the pair litigate in India over AAC and USAC SEPs. Philips and Transsion settle Indian SEP dispute over AAC, USAC – ip fray
Via LA announced a new rate structure for its HEVC/VVC pool, including the creation of region-based royalty tiers. Via LA - Announcement
Lenovo and Quectel joined the Avanci 5G vehicle licensing programme as patent owners. Lenovo, Quectel join Avanci 5G as licensors; 225 million vehicles now connected through Avanci Vehicle – ip fray
Legal
The Munich Regional Court issued detailed guidelines on a number of key issues relating to FRAND licensing. Munich court on SEP royalties: the higher, the better for innovation so long as products don’t disappear; top-down is wrong, Huawei v. ZTE outdated – ip fray
NEC and Sun Patent Trust brought patent infringement actions against Chinese smartphone maker Transsion at the UPC. Transsion sued by NEC, Sun Patent Trust as UPC’s HEVC wars expand - IAM 🔒
Policy & Opinion
The UK Intellectual Property Office launched a consultation on SEP issues and signalled that the government is considering legislating to establish new rate-setting mechanisms and transparency requirements. Government launches SEPs Consultation to Boost UK Innovation - GOV.UK
The Brazilian government is reportedly mulling the suspension of US-owned patent rights as a response to tariffs levied by the Trump administration. Patent suspension seen as risky move in response to U.S. tariffs | Business | valorinternational
Strategy & Analysis
Changes to the US tax code passed by Congress create significant tax implications for patent sellers. How the Big Beautiful Bill Turns Patent Sales into Tax Dinosaurs | LinkedIn
Xiaomi licensing director and cellular licensing lead Shuang Cheng described a typical day in her role and recounted her work on major past deals. Look inside Xiaomi’s IP team with the negotiator for Siemens, Panasonic deals - IAM 🔒