Nordic and Sisvel Collaborate on Cellular IoT SEP Licensing

The recent agreement between Nordic Semiconductor and Sisvel has paved the way for a more streamlined and transparent access to LTE-M and NB-IoT radio technology standards within the cellular IoT market. This framework aims to facilitate easier licensing processes for IoT device manufacturers by providing a simplified route to obtain end-product licenses from over 30 patent holders. This collaboration comes at a crucial time when the cellular IoT landscape is witnessing a surge in innovation across various sectors such as smart-health, smart-energy, smart-cities, and asset-tracking. The lack of clarity and consistency in SEP licensing has been a major hurdle for companies looking to bring new IoT solutions to market.

One of the key benefits of this agreement is the reduction of business uncertainty and the mitigation of potential litigation risks for companies operating in the cellular IoT space. By offering standardized licenses, Nordic and Sisvel are enabling organizations to focus on their core strengths of developing innovative products and services without being bogged down by licensing complexities. This move is expected to inject a fresh wave of momentum into the IoT industry, fostering a more conducive environment for growth and collaboration among stakeholders.

Nordic Semiconductor, known for its expertise in wireless technology, has been a driving force behind this initiative. Øyvind Birkenes, Nordic’s EVP Long Range, emphasized the significance of accessible and standardized licensing in propelling the IoT industry forward. The partnership with Sisvel, a leading intellectual property management company, underscores a shared commitment to creating a fair and transparent licensing ecosystem that nurtures innovation and fosters industry-wide growth.

Sisvel CEO Mattia Fogliacco echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique licensing program for cellular IoT that brings together a diverse group of patent owners. The collaboration with Nordic is seen as a strategic move to address a critical need within the IoT ecosystem, setting a precedent for a more balanced and transparent licensing environment. This concerted effort is poised to benefit all stakeholders involved in the cellular IoT value chain, paving the way for a more harmonious and efficient marketplace.

Kristian Sæther, Nordic’s Product Director – Cellular IoT, emphasized the urgency of establishing transparency and predictability in the IoT market. The current state of SEP licensing has left many SMEs in a state of uncertainty, hindering their ability to innovate and compete effectively. The new agreement between Nordic and Sisvel offers a ray of hope by providing a structured and predictable licensing framework that can catalyze growth and innovation within the cellular IoT sector. As more industry players recognize the importance of such collaborative efforts, the entire ecosystem stands to benefit from a level playing field that fosters innovation and sustainable growth.