The Chinese court’s ruling on Nokia’s 5G patents provides valuable insights into how portfolio strength and value contribution are evaluated, offering a perspective that may influence global standards for future tech-related legal decisions. It underlines the importance of considering both granted and pending applications when assessing portfolio strength, suggesting potential adjustments based on quality or essentiality disparities compared to industry averages.
The court’s determination of Nokia’s patent value contribution ratio—50:40:5:5 for 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G technologies respectively—highlights the perceived significance of each technology in shaping mobile communication. While acknowledging the expanding role of 5G, it cautions against overestimating its current value contribution within smartphone development.
This ruling is particularly relevant as China’s mobile phone manufacturers evolve from mere implementors to rights holders with patent portfolios, and traditional Western players increasingly rely on licensing for profit. The decision could serve as a precedent in the 5G patent licensing industry worldwide. Nokia plans to appeal this judgment, indicating that further legal challenges lie ahead in shaping fair SEP licensing fees globally.