What FRAND issues has HMD alleged against VoiceAge EVS?

Question

Accepted Answer

HMD Global Alleges VoiceAge EVS Engaged in Non-FRAND Practices

HMD Global Oy has lodged a complaint with EU antitrust regulators, asserting that VoiceAge EVS has violated fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing commitments. The company claims that VoiceAge EVS's royalty demands and conduct go against these principles, causing harm to both HMD and consumers. Specifically, HMD contends that the published royalty rates by VoiceAge EVS are excessively high and that the company's behaviour indicates an over-standardisation and a disregard for open standards.
Over-Standardisation and Non-FRAND Demands Alleged

HMD Global has formally complained to the European Commission, citing issues such as over-standardisation, demands for open standards, and what it describes as apparent non-FRAND demands and behaviour by VoiceAge EVS. These allegations suggest that VoiceAge EVS is not adhering to the established principles of fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing for patents that are essential to technical standards. The complaint specifically points to the company's published royalty rates as being particularly problematic.
Royalty Rates Exceed Global Averages

A core of HMD Global's grievance lies in the purported royalty rates set by VoiceAge EVS. HMD asserts that these published rates significantly exceed the average royalty rates collected globally by much larger licensors, even when considering the average sales price of HMD smartphones. This disparity, according to HMD, indicates an unfair pricing structure that goes beyond what is considered standard or reasonable within the industry for such essential patents.
Breach of Voluntary FRAND Commitments Claimed

HMD Global's complaint further alleges that VoiceAge EVS's demands and overall behaviour constitute a breach of voluntary FRAND licensing commitments. These commitments are understood to be binding upon VoiceAge EVS for the patents it now owns. HMD argues that this non-compliance with FRAND principles is directly causing ongoing harm to the company and, by extension, to consumers who ultimately bear the cost through higher device prices or reduced innovation.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What FRAND issues has HMD alleged against VoiceAge EVS?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

2

0

0

Share with friends