Nokia Secures UK Court Victory Over Acer, Asus Video Streaming Patent Suits
Overview of the Legal Dispute and Court Ruling
Background of the Case
LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - Nokia won an appeal to block London lawsuits by Taiwanese tech companies Acer and Asus on Tuesday in a case which is part of a global dispute over video coding technology.
Initial High Court Decision
Acer and Asus had previously obtained a High Court declaration that a willing licensor in Nokia's position would agree to an interim licence until the court decided the "reasonable and non-discriminatory" terms of a patent licence.
Nokia's Challenge and Appeal Outcome
But Nokia challenged that ruling and the Court of Appeal on Tuesday permanently "stayed" the cases, effectively ending the lawsuits brought against the Finnish technology company.
Impact of the Ruling
A Nokia spokesperson said the ruling meant that a trial due to take place in June and July will not now proceed. Acer and Asus did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Implications for Patent Licensing and FRAND Terms
Court's Reasoning and Arbitration Offer
The Court of Appeal said that Nokia had offered a licence to Acer and Asus to use its patents on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms to be determined at arbitration, meaning their London lawsuits should not continue.
Other Related Cases
China-based Hisense had also sued Nokia, but settled its case before the appeal was heard.
Global Context of FRAND Disputes
Disputes over the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms of a patent licence have frequently led to global legal battles in the telecoms industry.
Role of English and Chinese Courts
English courts can set global FRAND terms, following a landmark 2020 UK Supreme Court ruling, as can courts in China.
International Litigation Timeline
Before Acer and Asus sued Nokia in London in June 2025, Nokia had filed its own lawsuits in the United States, as well as Brazil, Germany and India.
(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Alexander Smith)
