European Commission Requests Details from Samsung and Apple on Wireless Patents

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has sent requests for information to Samsung Electronics Co. and Apple Inc. regarding the enforcement of standards-essential patents in the mobile telephony sector, as part of an initial procedure in antitrust investigations. The standards-essential patents cover areas crucial for compliance with industry standards, such as third-generation (3G) wireless technology, and must be licensed under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. This move comes as Samsung and Apple, the world's top smartphone vendors, are engaged in fierce legal battles over smartphone and tablet patents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission has requested details from Samsung and Apple on their wireless patents as part of an antitrust investigation into the enforcement of standards-essential patents in the mobile telephony sector.
  • The standards-essential patents in question cover areas crucial for compliance with industry standards, such as third-generation (3G) wireless technology.
  • Samsung and Apple are locked in fierce legal battles over smartphone and tablet patents, with Samsung claiming Apple has copied the look and feel of its products.
  • Samsung has sought to block sales of the new iPhone 4S in multiple countries, including France, Italy, Japan, and Australia.
  • Apple has accused Samsung of violating EU competition laws and has sought sales bans of Samsung's Galaxy devices in several countries.
  • The legal disputes between Samsung and Apple have expanded to around 30 cases in 10 countries in Europe, the United States, and Asia.
  • Samsung is also a key semiconductor supplier to Apple.

Statistics:

  • Around 30 cases in 10 countries in Europe, the United States, and Asia involve Samsung and Apple in patent disputes.
  • Samsung has sought to block sales of the new iPhone 4S in 4 countries: France, Italy, Japan, and Australia.
  • 3G wireless technology is the standard bearing the standards-essential patents in question.
  • Over 1 billion licenses are required for FRAND standards-essential patents.

Sources:

  • Yonhap
  • European Union's antitrust watchdog
  • Foss Patents
  • Filing by Apple in a U.S. district court in California
  • German-based mobile patent consultant Florian Mueller