Nokia announces first patent license agreement with Chinese automaker

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7188834865553825793/?actorCompanyId=92947396

In a LinkedIn post, the head of Nokia's IoT licensing program, Patrik Hammarén, notes that Nokia has just signed its first bilateral patent license agreement with a Chinese automaker (not named in the post):

"We have also just signed our first agreement with a Chinese automotive maker. The bilateral agreement covers the use of our 4G and 5G technology in their vehicles. As before, Nokia will continue to offer automotive OEMs a choice between a bilateral agreement or a license via the Avanci pool when agreeing a license to our cellular standard essential patents."

This is significant in two ways:

- It's the first announcement of a patent license agreement with a Chinese car maker by anyone.

- It shows Avanci doesn't in any way prevent its licensors from engaging bilaterally. No restraint on competition contrary to what some claimed in U.S. court only to see their case thrown out for total lack of substance.