Huawei And Vivo Sign Global Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Leading telecommunications giant Huawei has officially announced the signing of a comprehensive global patent cross-license agreement with smartphone manufacturer Vivo.

Leading telecommunications giant Huawei has officially announced the signing of a comprehensive global patent cross-license agreement with smartphone manufacturer Vivo. This agreement includes the licensing of essential cellular patents, particularly focusing on cutting-edge 5G technology, marking a significant milestone in technological collaboration between the two industry leaders.

As of December 31, 2023, Vivo holds an extensive patent presence spanning across more than 70 countries and regions, globally. Its patent portfolio comprises 25,000 families, encompassing a substantial share of over 6,000 families dedicated to 5G standard-essential patents. Notably, Vivo has declared over 2,500 families to ETSI and has made approximately 13,500 standard document submissions to 3GPP, solidifying their commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the telecommunications industry.

"Huawei is pleased to have reached this agreement with Vivo through amicable negotiation. This licensing agreement reflects our mutual respect for the value of each other’s patents. It also demonstrates that the industry is working together. We’re collectively investing in fundamental research, and we’re committed to standardising and sharing the fruits of innovation. In the end, it’s all about providing people around the world with better products and services," Alan Fan, Head of Huawei’s Intellectual Property Department, said in a statement.

It should be noted that Vivo and Nokia recently inked a cross-license agreement, effectively resolving their longstanding patent payment disputes across all jurisdictions.

Earlier this month, Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications equipment giant, disclosed the commencement of a multi-year 5G patent license agreement with Vivo. The agreement, effective immediately, marks the resolution of all ongoing patent disputes between the two entities across various jurisdictions. Both parties have opted to keep the specific terms of the agreement confidential.

This development stands as Nokia's latest stride in securing smartphone licensing agreements, with Vivo joining the ranks of Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Honor, and Huawei. Notably, this marks Nokia's sixth major smartphone licensing agreement within the past 13 months.