Streaming Setback: Nokia Loses Bid to Shut Down UK SEP Dispute, World IP Review

Morgan Lewis achieved a significant victory in the High Court of England and Wales on behalf of Acer and Asus in a high-profile global dispute with Nokia concerning standard essential patents (SEPs) for video streaming technology.

Following trial, the court confirmed its jurisdiction over the case, rejected Nokia’s bid to compel arbitration, and issued the first substantive ruling confirming that reasonable and non-discriminatory (RAND) licensing undertakings covering the H.264 and H.265 standards are contractually binding and enforceable by implementers. The court also declared that Nokia should enter an interim global license with Acer and Asus on particular financial terms and found Nokia in breach of its obligations to offer RAND terms unconditionally.

The Morgan Lewis team representing Acer and Asus included partners Tim Powell and Hiroshi Sheraton, associates Ben Rowlatt, Dr. Kulraj Singh Bhangra, and Kristjan Bloudoff, trainee solicitor Teal St Nicklaus, and paralegal Dania Al-Bayati.

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See additional coverage (subscription may be required):

• Acer, Asus and Hisense Win UK Court Ruling in Video Streaming Patent Dispute with Nokia, Reuters
• Nokia Loses Bid to Block Electronics Cos.’ UK FRAND Case, Law360
• Nokia Has Interim Licence Declaration Issued Against It by English High Court, IAM