InterDigital, ZTE, KPN join Ericsson and Qualcomm in group called Avanci to license standard-essential, patented tech to IoT companies
The idea behind Avanci, comprised of telecom companies with vast (and essential) patent holdings, is to create a one-stop marketplace where a single license buys access to the connectivity technologies IoT device and service firms need to bring viable products to market.
Made up of InterDigital, ZTE, KPN, Qualcomm and Ericsson, Kasim Alfalahi, former chief intellectual property officer for Swedish vendor Ericsson, serves as the founder and CEO of Avanci.
“Since we began in April, we have received an overwhelmingly positive response from both IoT device manufacturers and patent owners to our streamlined licensing solution, and Avanci will quickly add more of these companies to our marketplace in the months ahead,” Alfalahi said. “With Avanci, something that would require time and resources to negotiate with many technology holders can now be done in one place, with one license, allowing IoT manufacturing companies access to the most advanced wireless technology in the world while they focus on bringing new products to the market.”
According to the company, the early focus will be on 2G, 3G and 4G tech for connected cars and smart meters.
“The number of companies incorporating connectivity in their business models is rapidly increasing,” Ericsson’s current CIPO Gustav Brismark said. “By having efficient access to essential wireless technology and leveraging the global network, these companies can reduce time to market and reach scale faster. Avanci’s licensing platform enables the adoption of our essential wireless technology among IoT device manufacturers, accelerates the development of the internet of Tthings and the global uptake of LTE for IoT.”
“At Qualcomm, we have been expanding our wireless technology beyond mobile into new industries in the world of internet of Tthings. Our technology solutions are helping IoT providers across market segments – from homes to cars, cities and wearables – redefine what’s possible,” said Alex Rogers, president of Qualcomm Technology Licensing. “We are pleased to share our cellular patented technology through Avanci to streamline essential patent licensing for certain IoT applications and accelerate growth for the IoT industry.”
In a February interview with RCR Wireless News and Industrial IoT 5G Insights, Alfalahi explained: “We have been discussing for some time with both companies who are in this space and in the different verticals. We have also had discussions with companies who have invested lots into research and development. … They are also seeing this is something which could be good for them.”
He said the platform will help drive return on R&D investments. “We invest about $5 billion a year in research and development. The research we have, it’s very broad, which is very important to keep Ericsson at the forefront of the technology. In this platform, what happens is Ericsson will license its patents to the platform. The platform will license it to all the companies through the platform. Ericsson will receive a share of the revenue and that will be used to continue investments into R&D.”
