Nokia vs. HTC
Just in today, Nokia and HTC signed a patent agreement titled as "technology collaboration." This is one of the first time peace has been the final settlement between two major tech players. Taiwan's largest smartphone maker completely out of the United States. Although the terms of agreement is confidential, this decision has allowed the validation of Nokia's achievements yet is also allowing the industry to grow as a whole. The patent specifically addresses radio signal and date transmission technology infringement. What is important to point out is that this case differs to the one of my previous blog. Instead of trying to slow down growth, for two companies that are not battling as market share giants in product differentiation, the fight is essentially for earning the billions of dollars spent on research from retaining the patents on the fundamental phone technology parts.
In my opinion, this is the type of patent that our laws reside upon. Nokia is known to have one of the most preeminent patent portfolios in the industry. This is the reason behind Microsoft's acquisition of the company. Therefore, I personally believe that this case's conclusion to settle will allow the encouragement of innovation in technology. This is a point that I strongly believe in, it will encourage companies to push their research and allow the opportunity to push licensing standards.
You make a great point: at the end of the day, patents really exist to encourage innovation. After seeing how many companies are at each other's necks, you really begin to wonder at what point the whole war stops centering about innovation and starts becoming about ruining the other's reputation.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a relief to see that HTC and Nokia settle their legal differences. I think these two firms set a good example for the industry to see that it is not all about competition; sometimes, it is about collaboration and bringing better products to customers, which is essentially what smartphone companies should do. Hopefully in the near future, we can also see Apple and Samsung give peace a chance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the litigation between these two companies is to ensure they see returns on their research. By doing so, companies are incentivized to continue making products that generate innovation. Ultimately, it is the right a patent grants to companies that forces growth in the smartphone industry.
ReplyDeleteI think that collaboration is very important as opposed to constant litigation. I think that the merits of working together leads to both innovation and better technology, both of which is the goal of these large technology companies (aside from making profits). I think you bring up great points that research will allow licensing and that will actually achieve the goals that these companies have.
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