Mobile maker Nokia (News - Alert) reportedly has entered into a license agreement with Huawei and its affiliates, covering patents for worldwide cellular standards, the companies said today.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The license agreement covers the worldwide use of standards essential patents of all parties, including Global System of Mobile communications, Wireless Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA2000, optical networking, datacom and WiMax in mobile devices, infrastructure and services, the companies said.
The cross-license gives Huawei, a supplier of networking and telecom equipment in China, access to Nokia’s patent portfolio in all major wireless standards including GSM and WCDMA. The deal gives Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks (News - Alert) the access to Huawei’s patents, including those required for third-generation operations in China.
According to Gottfried Weidel, head of Intellectual Property Rights at Nokia Siemens Networks, the new agreement will help the companies create a more predictable business environment and further support industry innovation.
“As a newer player in the telecoms IPR environment, Nokia Siemens Networks see this as our most significant licensing agreement to date,” Weidel said.
“We are very pleased to have entered into this agreement with Huawei,” said Ilkka Rahnasto, vice president of intellectual property rights at Nokia. “Huawei is the thirty-fifth company to license Nokia patents related to cellular standards and this agreement demonstrates how companies can license intellectual property in a way that encourages industry innovation and fosters a healthy IPR environment.”
Winning 17 new commercial WiMAX (News - Alert) 16e contracts in the first half of 2008, Huawei is the only solution provider to rank in the “top three” across mobile, fixed network and IP segments, according to industry analyst firms Dittberner, Ovum (News - Alert)-RHK and Gartner. To date, Huawei has secured 29 WiMAX 16e commercial contracts and accumulated more than 35 trials.
“This agreement is of great significance and benefit to Huawei, Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks,” said Song Liuping, vice president and chief legal officer at Huawei. “It underscores our commitment to create a harmonious environment for the benefit and development of the telecom industry.”
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(If Nokia ever licenses our tech then China would be in the mix.)
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