Understanding patents, competition and standardization in an interconnected world

7/09/2014
(Original Publish Date: 7/1/2014)

The publication provides government officials, private-sector executives and industry analysts of all disciplines with an overview of the current state of play in the interrelationship of intellectual property and standardization in the ICT sphere. Parts I and II provide the conceptual underpinnings of Part III, which analyses ensuing debates and litigation concerning the interplay of patents and standards. Part IV is relevant to current and potential participants in ITU’s standardization work.

The publication explores recent years’ uptick in litigation involving standard-essential patents (SEPs) and offers readers a basis with which to understand contemporary tensions and conflicts surrounding the inclusion of patented technology in standards. Patent holders’ licensing their SEPs to standards implementers on reasonable and non-discriminatory (RAND) terms is a cornerstone of the standards development process. “Understanding patents, competition and standardization in an interconnected world” provides the introduction necessary to engage with ITU’s ongoing evaluation of possible reform to the ITU-T/ITU-R/ISO/IEC Patent Policy and related Guidelines.