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European Union

European Automobile Manufacturers' Association Urges European Commission to Maintain SEP Licensing Regulation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has urged the European Commission to maintain the Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) licensing regulation, citing its importance for European innovation and competitiveness. ACEA echoes the European Parliament's calls in support of the SEP regulation and opposes the European Commission's proposed withdrawal of the regulation. The association emphasizes that the regulation is vital for the future of connected and automated vehicles in Europe, and withdrawing it would hand a strategic advantage to global competitors who have already moved ahead with regulatory solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • ACEA urges the European Commission to maintain the SEP licensing regulation, emphasizing its importance for European innovation and competitiveness.
  • The association echoes the European Parliament's calls in support of the SEP regulation and opposes the European Commission's proposed withdrawal of the regulation.
  • The regulation is vital for the future of connected and automated vehicles in Europe, as it allows for the establishment of a more transparent and efficient SEP licensing framework.
  • Without the SEP framework, European automakers remain vulnerable to non-European SEP license holders who refuse to license to suppliers and demand excessive royalties from vehicle manufacturers.
  • ACEA emphasizes that withdrawing the regulation would hand a strategic advantage to global competitors who have already moved ahead with regulatory solutions.
  • The association highlights the importance of fair access to licences necessary to develop innovative technologies, particularly in the context of the EU industry's competitiveness and innovation.
  • ACEA represents 16 major Europe-based car, van, truck, and bus makers, including BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, and others.

Statistics:

  • 13.2 million Europeans work in the automotive sector, which accounts for 10.3% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU.
  • The EU automobile industry generates [euro]383.7 billion in tax revenue for European governments and maintains a trade surplus of [euro]106.7 billion for the European Union.
  • The auto industry represents over 7.5% of EU GDP and spends [euro]72.8 billion in R&D annually, accounting for 33% of EU total R&D spending.

Sources:

  • European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). (2023, April). Press Release: ACEA urges European Commission to maintain SEP regulation. Retrieved from [www.acea.auto](http://www.acea.auto).
  • European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). (2023). About ACEA. Retrieved from [www.acea.auto](http://www.acea.auto).
  • European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). (2023). About the EU automobile industry. Retrieved from [www.acea.auto](http://www.acea.auto).

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