InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[The Count]

2G vs 3G

how can IDCC sign anyone without NOK being settled??

I agree with that statement for 2G. When the arbitration is finished and the NOK liability is determined, then IDCC will be able to go after the rest of them for 2G based on the royalties from ERICY and NOK. That will set a very strong indication of IDCC's 2G patent value, and litigation would not likely be a cost effective alternative for the infringers.

However, for 3G I have to disagree. We already have a 3G license with NOK - it just does not have a rate. 3G is not a part of the arbitration. IDCC needs to break the logjam on 3G. No one wants to sign because then they have to pay. Until IDCC can somehow position it so that signing a 3G license is financially favorable to waiting, no one will sign. I don't see how the 2G license has any affect on that. IDCC's management has also stated that 3G licensing is not affected by the arbitration. It's been said that IDCC will not license anyone for 3G until they have signed for 2G. If that is the case, I'm sure a company interested in signing 3G could be pursuaded to sign a 2G license that mirrors NOK - what ever is decided for NOK goes for them. Since that is going to be the eventual result anyway, it should not be a problem.

Arbitration = 2G = significant, but not long term, revenue.
3G = hockey stick, calculator with a lot of digits, watershed, Rookie 100, genius or idiot.