There are multiple voices in the global SEP ecosystem, with very diverse viewpoints. However, all good faith actors want smooth, efficient and transparent markets. With this in mind, Sisvel is bringing together licensors, implementers and policy makers for a special, invitation-only conference this October

The patent world is probably more fluid than it has ever been before. Nowhere is this more so than in FRAND and SEP licensing. Over the past few years, all parts of the market have had to absorb the implications of a series of court rulings handed down in the US, Europe and China, as well as the emergence of new jurisdictions, such as Brazil and India, that are forcing rethinks of long-established strategies.

But it’s not just that. In addition, policy makers are becoming increasingly interested in how the market works and whether it requires further regulation. Then there is the rapid emergence of new technology-driven industries such as the IoT, accompanied by the creation of innovative licensing models designed to facilitate access to the patents that underpin them. Most recently, licensing negotiation groups have entered the scene.

Unsurprisingly, different players – individually and in groups – have reacted differently to this period of high-speed change and increasing complexity. Creators of standardised technology who license SEPs view things in certain ways, while SEP licensees will often have an alternative perspective. There is nothing surprising about this.

Good faith

With over 40 years’ experience of working in FRAND/SEP, Sisvel is used to the fact that where you sit in the ecosystem will usually dictate the way you see developments and issues. However, we also think much more unites good faith parties across the market than divides them. We all want things to work as smoothly, transparently and efficiently as possible.

Sisvel believes SEP holders, implementers and policy makers should meet in person to explore the common challenges they face and to find ways through areas of disagreement. What’s more, we are putting our money where our mouth is by organising a special, free-of-charge, invitation-only conference in the autumn as part of our annual Sisvel Connect meeting.

Taking place on 22^nd October at the Torre Glòries in Barcelona, Navigating the Changing FRAND World, will bring together diverse members of the FRAND licensing community to discuss the key policy, judicial, technology and market challenges facing both SEP holders and implementers. Many are both, of course.

To encourage a candid exchange of opinions and a more constructive dialogue than may be possible in public events, the conference will be held under the Chatham House rule, with no press in attendance.

World-class speakers

We have assembled a carefully compiled, world-class speaking faculty that reflects multiple market viewpoints, so ensuring the most informative analysis possible. Confirmed speakers include:

• Lyse Brillouet – Chief IP Officer, Orange

• Na Wei – Head of IP Strategy, Xiaomi

• Patrik Hammarén – President of Nokia Technologies

• Lorenzo Casaccia - Head of Technology Standards, Qualcomm

• Taylor Ludlum - Chief IP and Litigation Officer, Lenovo

• Shayne O’Reilly - Head of Strategic Transactions, Licensing and Open Source, Meta

• Jako Eleveld – Head of Licensing, Philips

• Andrei Iancu, former Director of the USPTO

• Sir Robin Jacob - Former Lord Justice of Appeal, Court of Appeal of England and Wales

• Francesca Ferrari – IP Representative, Permanent Italian Delegation to the EU

• Dan McCurdy – CEO, RPX Corporation

• Charles Varvaro - Managing Director, Intellectual Property & Technology Alliances, IBM

• Dan Choi – Chief Patent Counsel, Microsoft

• Koenraad Wuyts – Chief IP Officer, KPN

These speakers and many more of similar stature – including several from Sisvel itself – will be debating key issues across a day of sessions. If they are anything like the ones we had at last year’s conference, these will deliver high-quality insights and multiple actionable takeaways.

With three months to go before the big day, more than 150 people are already signed up to attend. They include a number of senior professionals working at companies that license their patents through Sisvel pools, as well as many other IP leaders.

If you have received an invitation to attend Navigating the Changing FRAND World, you can register using the links on this page.

If you work as an in-house IP professional and have not received an invitation but would like to request one, you can do so via this link.

We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona on 22^nd October.